Rajagopal Reddy warns Andhra Jyothi

If Andhra media channels and papers write stories that damage our character and demean our personality under the media mask, there will be no respect left

Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy

Munugodu MLA 

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In a strongly worded statement that has sent ripples through political and media circles in Telangana, Munugodu MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy on Wednesday issued a sharp warning to ABN channel and its proprietor Radhakrishna. He accused the media house of launching a deliberate smear campaign against him by meddling in internal Congress party matters and attacking him personally under the guise of journalism.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka at Praja Bhavan, Rajagopal Reddy made it clear that he would not tolerate any attempt to undermine his reputation or that of genuine Telangana movement leaders. “ABN Radhakrishna should keep his body close and be careful. If I show my true power, that channel and that paper will not remain here,” he declared. He added that if the media continued to demean his personality under the cover of journalism, there would be no question of restraint or courtesy.

Rajagopal Reddy asserted that everyone knows whom ABN media supports. “We have the courage and the guts to launch a hundred channels if needed. Ours is genuine Congress blood. We are the real activists who fought honestly for Telangana,” he said. He stressed that leaders like him, who struggled for the statehood movement, do not need any certificate from Andhra-based media channels.The MLA alleged that ABN was specifically trying to weaken him through conspiratorial coverage. 

He targeted channels and newspapers like ABN and Andhra Jyothi, saying they operate with a clear agenda. “If Andhra media channels and papers write stories that damage our character and demean our personality under the media mask, there will be no respect left,” he warned. He clarified that his criticism was directed at certain elements and not the entire media fraternity, for whom he claimed to have immense respect as journalists.

Rajagopal Reddy recounted his long political journey, emphasizing his credentials as a true Telangana fighter. He said he had never made personal attacks on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. “I am a person who fought for Telangana. As an MP and MLA, I fought for the state in those days. People who had no role in the formation of Telangana are today criticizing me. Those who criticize me should first introspect about their own stature,” he stated.

He highlighted his loyalty to the Congress party during its difficult times. “I am one of the senior leaders of the Congress. When the party was going through tough times, I fought against the BRS. In the 2018 elections, even when major leaders suffered defeats, the people of Munugodu ensured my victory. I am the person who sacrificed everything and fought against KCR, who wanted to finish the opposition in Telangana,” Rajagopal Reddy said. He described himself as someone who constantly works for the development of Telangana people and fights against corruption.

On the issue of ticket distribution, the MLA expressed concern over the impact on genuine party workers. “Giving tickets to those who joined the party just before the elections is causing losses to the real Congress activists. The party high command has the responsibility to protect them,” he said. He maintained that he always speaks only for the strengthening of the party and never to weaken it. His ultimate goal, he added, is to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister.

Rajagopal Reddy also addressed reports linking him to internal party disputes involving leaders like Konda Surekha and Chinnareddy. He said the party high command’s decision on such matters is final. “Even Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has said the same. The party has a disciplinary committee. It conducted a detailed study on the comments of Konda Surekha and Chinnareddy and submitted a report to the PCC. No one can question the high command’s decision,” he noted. He dismissed as untrue any reports suggesting that he had come to discuss Konda Surekha’s remarks with Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka.

Clarifying the purpose of his meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister, Rajagopal Reddy said it was solely related to development works and funds for the Munugodu constituency. 

He reiterated that Telangana has many honest and genuine movement activists. While people who came from other parties may occupy high positions, that does not justify stories that demean those who honestly worked in the movement. 

The MLA’s remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing political realignments and media coverage of Congress internal dynamics in Telangana. Rajagopal Reddy positioned himself as a steadfast Congress loyalist with deep roots in the Telangana agitation, contrasting his record with those who, in his view, joined the fray later. He made it clear that while he respects genuine journalism, any attempt to use media as a tool to assassinate character or weaken true Telangana fighters would not be tolerated.

Throughout his interaction, Rajagopal Reddy projected confidence in his political strength and the support of genuine party workers. He underscored that the Congress in Telangana has leaders who fought sincerely for statehood and who continue to prioritize the people’s interests over personal agendas. His warning to ABN and similar media houses was unambiguous: they must exercise restraint, or face consequences that could threaten their very presence in the region.

The statement is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over media ethics, political loyalties, and the role of veteran leaders in the post-statehood political landscape of Telangana. As the Congress government continues its term, voices like that of Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy highlight the internal tensions and the determination of long-time activists to protect their legacy and influence within the party.