Daijiworld Media Network – Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 8: Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday criticised Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy over his remarks linking the name of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to Adolf Hitler.
In a post on Facebook, Vijayan described Reddy's statement as shocking and an insult to democratic society.
“The Chief Minister of a democratic country said on the stage that Hydra was Hitler's favourite word and that his inspiration is a system capable of killing anyone like them. It is a shame that the Congress party has a Chief Minister who openly worships the biggest fascist the world has ever seen,” Vijayan wrote.
He further alleged that it was unfortunate for the Congress to have a chief minister who appeared to glorify a fascist figure.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Revanth Reddy during an event in Bengaluru on Saturday. While explaining the rationale behind establishing HYDRAA, he said he decided to create the agency after observing widespread encroachments of lakes, nalas and other water bodies in Hyderabad.
Speaking about the name, Reddy said, “Hydra was Hitler's favourite word. His core team, which can assassinate anyone, was called Hydra. So, I have taken inspiration from Hitler, and I have named it HYDRAA.”
He added that the agency, headed by a senior IPS officer, was tasked with protecting public assets and removing illegal encroachments.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency was established by the Telangana government in July 2024 to safeguard government lands, lakes and other public assets from encroachments and illegal activities.
Since its formation, the agency has carried out several operations against alleged encroachments and demolished a number of structures said to have been built illegally.
The remarks have triggered political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the Telangana Chief Minister's reference to Hitler while explaining the agency's name and purpose.