Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Regrets Comments After Supreme Court Reprimand

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy issued an unconditional apology on Friday following his remarks about BRS leader K Kavitha’s bail in a money-laundering case. This comes a day after the Supreme Court expressed its displeasure over Reddy’s insinuations that Kavitha’s bail resulted from a “deal” between former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao’s party and the ruling BJP.

The Supreme Court raised concerns about the statements of the Chief Minister. The court said such remarks could foster mistrust. “Have you read what he said? Just read… such statements by a Chief Minister might rightly create apprehension,” the court stated. It further questioned whether someone in a constitutional position should make such comments, stressing the importance of mutual respect between politicians and the judiciary. 

The court warned, “If you do not respect us, then we will send your trial elsewhere.”

Congress leader posted on X to express his remorse and reaffirm his faith in the Indian judiciary. “I understand that certain press reports dated 29th August 2024, containing comments attributed to me, have given the impression that I am questioning the judicial wisdom of the Hon’ble Court. I reiterate that I am a firm believer in the judicial process. I unconditionally express my regret for the statements reflected in the press reports. The remarks attributed to me in such reports have been taken out of context. I have unconditional respect and the highest regard for the Judiciary and its independence. As a firm believer in the Constitution of India and its ethos, I continue to hold the Judiciary in the highest esteem,” Reddy wrote.

The controversy began when Ms. Kavitha was granted bail in the Delhi liquor policy case, leading Reddy to claim, “It is a fact that BRS worked for the victory of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha poll. There is also talk that Kavitha got bail because of a deal between BRS and BJP.”

Earlier in March, when the Enforcement Directorate arrested the BRS leader in Hyderabad concerning the case, Reddy had dismissed it as a “soap opera,” accusing BRS leader KCR and Prime Minister Modi of orchestrating “political dramas” in the state.