Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy sharply criticized political parties for launching media outlets to shield their misdeeds and attack opponents, stating that such practices “hurt journalism” and erode public trust. Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Telugu daily Nava Telangana on Friday, Reddy highlighted the growing trend of parties using media platforms to cover up irregularities, amass wealth, and tarnish critics, a stark departure from the past when newspapers were founded to spread ideological messages.

“Today, some parties start media to hide their wrongs and defame those who question them,” Reddy said, urging genuine journalists to distinguish themselves from political activists posing as reporters. He pointed out that the media landscape has become so muddled that “anyone who doesn’t know an alphabet” claims to be a journalist, particularly on social media. Reddy stressed the need for seminars to define authentic journalism, citing recent arrests of social media influencers linked to “Operation Sindoor” for allegedly aiding Pakistan-based entities.

Reflecting on his own political rhetoric, Reddy admitted to occasionally using “disrespectful language” against rivals but justified it as a response to similar attacks, a practice he linked to Telangana’s political culture. He also praised the Communist parties in undivided Andhra Pradesh for their role in amplifying public issues, likening them to “salt” that enhances a dish’s flavor, even if they rarely win elections. Their influence, he noted, often lies in unseating ruling parties.

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The remarks come amid Reddy’s ongoing tussle with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which has accused his government of stifling free speech through arrests of journalists and social media activists. In March 2025, two YouTube journalists were detained for allegedly defamatory content against Reddy, sparking criticism from BRS leaders like K.T. Rama Rao, who labeled the arrests a return to “Emergency-like” tactics. Reddy’s government countered that the journalists violated norms with “vulgar” content, allegedly funded by BRS.

Reddy’s call for journalistic integrity aligns with his broader narrative of governance transparency, though critics argue his administration’s actions, including legal cases against critics, contradict this stance. As Telangana’s media landscape grows increasingly polarized, Reddy’s comments underscore the tension between political narratives and press freedom, raising questions about regulating digital media without curbing free expression.

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