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CPI(M) Leader Criticises Revanth Reddy Over Hitler Remark, Questions HYDRAA Actions
CPI(M) general secretary M. A. Baby has strongly criticised Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over his controversial remarks linking HYDRAA to Adolf Hitler. Baby accused the Congress leader of displaying admiration for fascist symbolism and claimed that he had confused fictional narratives with historical facts.
The controversy began after Revanth Reddy, while explaining the naming of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) during an event in Bengaluru, referred to “Hydra” as Adolf Hitler’s favourite term and described it as the name of a powerful group capable of eliminating opponents. The remarks quickly triggered criticism from political opponents and historians, many of whom pointed out similarities with the fictional HYDRA organisation featured in Marvel comics and films.
Reacting sharply, Baby said the Chief Minister appeared to have mixed Marvel storylines with actual history. He argued that the comments reflected an inappropriate glorification of Hitler and his regime. The CPI(M) leader further alleged that Revanth Reddy’s statements echoed ideological tendencies associated with the Sangh Parivar and accused him of embracing “bulldozer politics” through aggressive demolition drives.
Baby also questioned the functioning of HYDRAA, alleging that several anti-encroachment operations disproportionately affected poor and marginalised communities. He claimed that demolitions were often carried out without following due legal procedures and, in some cases, despite court orders directing authorities to maintain the status quo. According to him, affected residents were frequently given inadequate notice before eviction.
Drawing comparisons with criticism directed at demolition drives in BJP-ruled states, Baby questioned how the Congress could justify similar actions in Telangana. He called on the party to explain both the Chief Minister’s remarks and the government’s approach toward anti-encroachment measures.
The Telangana government, however, has defended HYDRAA’s activities, maintaining that the agency is acting to remove illegal encroachments on lakes, water bodies, and government land in order to protect public resources and urban infrastructure.
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