BRS Announces Major Symbolic Change at Secretariat
In a significant political announcement, BRS working president KT Rama Rao declared that his party would replace the statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi with that of Telangana Thalli at the secretariat entrance upon returning to power in the state. The statement came during his address at Telangana Bhavan on Deeksha Divas on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing political discourse.
Historical Significance of KCR's 2009 Fast
KTR drew powerful parallels between landmark events in India's freedom struggle and the Telangana movement. He emphasized that just as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Salt March, the Non-Cooperation Movement, and the Quit India Movement defined India's independence journey, KCR's fast in 2009 represented a crucial turning point in the Telangana self-respect movement.
"On November 29, 2009, history changed. KCR's fast electrified the entire state," KTR stated emphatically. He recalled how the powerful slogan "KCR chachudo, Telangana vachudo" (Either KCR dies or Telangana comes) resonated across society, transforming the movement into an unstoppable force that ultimately led to statehood.
Congress Betrayal and BRS Sacrifices
The BRS leader drew sharp contrasts between his party's commitment and Congress's actions during the movement. "BRS (then TRS) MLAs resigned for the cause, while Congress leaders protected their positions and betrayed Telangana," he asserted. KTR described Deeksha Divas as not merely a historical date but an occasion to reaffirm collective resolve and remember the sacrifices of martyrs and lakhs of ordinary people.
He highlighted the "injustices committed repeatedly by the Congress regime over six decades from 1950 to 2025" and characterized the Congress as the "permanent villain of Telangana." KTR specifically questioned the legitimacy of TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, who now comments casually about the Telangana movement despite being absent during the crucial struggle period.
Protecting Telangana's Identity
KTR clarified that while BRS thanked Sonia Gandhi out of courtesy after statehood was granted, they never referred to her as the "Bali Devatha of Telangana," unlike current Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. "Insult us if you wish, but we will never tolerate insults to Telangana or its movement," he declared passionately.
The BRS working president reiterated that Congress has consistently deceived Telangana through various means: suppressing local leaders, poaching elected representatives, and diluting the state's unique identity. He emphasized that "the struggle for Telangana is not just history, it is an identity that must be safeguarded every single day."
KTR reminded Congress leaders about the historical reality that both central and state Congress governments had pleaded with KCR to withdraw his fast, acknowledging that his life was crucial for the political decision on Telangana. This statement underscored the pivotal role BRS played in the state's formation compared to Congress's reluctant participation.
