Hyderabad Liberation Day was observed with fervor as prominent political entities, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Telangana Jagruthi, held separate celebrations, each reflecting on the region’s storied past and current political landscape. The day serves as a powerful reminder of Telangana’s integration into the Indian Union, a journey marked by immense sacrifice and struggle.
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, addressing party leaders and supporters at Telangana Bhavan, declared a renewed commitment to oppose what he termed the State government’s ‘anti-people policies.’ He emphasized that the party draws profound inspiration from the countless individuals who gave their lives for the liberation and integration of the erstwhile Hyderabad State.
During the ‘National Integration Day’ festivities, after ceremoniously unfurling the national flag, Mr. Rama Rao articulated the day’s significance. “This pivotal day transitioned the people of Telangana from monarchical rule to a vibrant democratic system. While some term it liberation and others a merger, the undeniable truth is that thousands bravely fought and sacrificed their lives against the monarchy. Today, our party humbly honors all these valiant fighters and martyrs,” he stated passionately.
Rama Rao further highlighted Telangana’s indelible history, steeped in struggles and sacrifices. He referenced the armed peasant struggle, the 1969 Telangana movement, and the democratic movement spearheaded by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. He paid tribute to iconic figures like Chakali Ailamma, Sheikh Bandagi, and Ravi Narayana Reddy, proclaiming, “Under KCR’s steadfast leadership, we will continue our fight to re-establish Telangana as a welfare and development-focused state.”
Concurrently, Telangana Jagruthi organized its own commemoration, labeling September 17 as ‘Telangana Merger Day.’ President Kalvakuntla Kavitha led the tributes to the fighters of the Telangana armed peasant struggle at their Banjara Hills office, unfurling the national flag with pride.
In her address, Kavitha sharply criticized the BJP’s decision to celebrate September 17 as ‘Liberation Day,’ asserting it works ‘against the federal spirit’ and ‘distorts Telangana’s history’ to ‘incite religious hatred.’ She urged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to formally request the Centre to halt such programs within the state, advocating for a narrative that accurately reflects the region’s historical events.