NEW DELHI: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy found himself at the centre of a political and media storm on Friday after remarks he made about young journalists drew sharp criticism from press bodies and social media users alike. The comments came during the 10th anniversary celebration of Telugu daily Nava Telangana, where he contrasted senior journalists’ dedication with what he described as the arrogance and lack of etiquette among younger reporters.

“To analyse, they (journalists) keep their health and families at stake. To understand the problems of people, they go to remote areas for days and stay in public to publish their findings,” Reddy said, praising senior journalists. He then criticised younger journalists, saying, “Now, young journalists don’t even know about those senior journalists. They don’t even have the common sense to stand up when those senior journalists come... I sometimes feel like slapping them. But circumstances and position come in between.”The statement triggered outrage, with many terming it disrespectful and unbecoming of a chief minister. Press associations have demanded a clarification, though Reddy has not issued any formal response.At the same event, the CM also criticised political parties for launching media outlets to serve their interests. “Some parties start political party-owned media to cover up their irregularities, protect their wealth and tarnish the image of those questioning them,” he said, adding that such practices hurt journalism. He further alleged that some reporters were essentially political activists and cautioned genuine journalists to differentiate themselves.“Today, somebody who does not know an alphabet says I am a journalist. If we ask him, he says I am a social media journalist. He identifies himself as a journalist,” he remarked.Reddy also addressed concerns over the rise of social media-driven misinformation and pointed to recent arrests of influencers who allegedly collaborated with foreign entities, post Operation Sindoor. He praised the historical role of Communists in Andhra Pradesh politics, saying, “They are like salt. You may not see it, but without it, the food has no taste.”HC relief in defamation caseMeanwhile, the Telangana high hourt quashed a defamation case against Revanth Reddy related to a speech made during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The case was filed by Telangana BJP General Secretary Kasam Venkateshwarlu, who accused Reddy of making false claims that the BJP would scrap the Constitution and abolish reservations if voted to power.The complaint was being heard in the Special Judicial First Class Magistrate (Excise) court, which had earlier summoned Reddy. The Chief Minister challenged the case in the High Court, which had already granted him exemption from personal appearance. On Friday, the court quashed the proceedings altogether, offering Reddy legal relief even as political heat over his recent remarks continues to build.