The Power of Belonging: 45 Years of The Art of Living
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Imphal to Indore, the scale of the gathering at The Art of Living International Centre reflected the extraordinary breadth of his influence across public life.
A fresh political storm has erupted amid the ongoing debate over women’s reservation, with the BJP accusing the Congress of repeatedly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with abusive remarks, after Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy referred to him as “Marich”.
The controversy was triggered after Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy compared the Prime Minister to “Marich”, a demon from the Ramayana known for deception. The reference was seen as suggesting that the Centre’s policies were misleading.
Advertisement
The remark quickly drew strong reactions, with BJP leaders calling it disrespectful to the office of the Prime Minister and accusing the Congress of lowering political discourse.
Advertisement
‘Congress abusing PM for backing Nari Shakti’: BJP
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla targeted Revanth Reddy, accusing him of making controversial statements earlier as well, and linking the latest remarks to a broader pattern within the Congress.
The BJP leader alleged that the party has a pattern of attacking the Prime Minister whenever he pushes for major reforms, particularly those linked to women’s empowerment. He claimed Modi has been targeted over his OBC background, humble beginnings as a tea seller, and now for advocating women’s reservation.
Congress is abusing PM @narendramodi ji because Modi ji pushed for Nari Shakti
They have abused him for being OBC & Chaiwala and now for pushing Women’s Reservation
My source in Congress says : all leaders were instructed by high command (higher than Party President also) to… https://t.co/Ip7Aollt7g
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Chowkidar as per INC ecosystem) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 19, 2026
Poonawalla further alleged that Congress leaders had been directed by the party’s top leadership to intensify attacks against the Prime Minister.
He said that such statements reflect a lack of respect for constitutional positions, alleging that Congress has crossed limits in its criticism of Modi. He also accused the party of making repeated personal attacks in the past.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s statement, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala says, “…Congress has abused the Prime Minister 150 times… after defeating women’s reservation in parliament, now Revanth Reddy, a serial offender who has abused Sanatan,… pic.twitter.com/MWljbwYjH6
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2026
The latest exchange has added fuel to an already heated political environment, with the Women’s Reservation Bill emerging as a key issue. The BJP has been projecting itself as a champion of “Nari Shakti”, while accusing opposition parties of obstructing the legislation.
Advertisement
