Hyderabad: Kalvakuntla Kavitha, chief of the Telangana Rakshana Sena (TRS), has demanded that the state government install a statue of Telangana ideologue Professor K. Jayashankar on Tank Bund before August 6, which marks his birth anniversary. Speaking at a round table meeting titled "Aspirations of Activists – Achievements" held at the TRS office in Banjara Hills on Monday, Kavitha expressed disappointment that even 12 years after the formation of Telangana, Jayashankar's statue has not been erected in Hyderabad.
Allegations Against Andhra Leaders' Statues
Kavitha alleged that statues of leaders from Andhra Pradesh continue to be installed in Hyderabad, despite the state's bifurcation. She warned that if the TRS comes to power, it would send these statues back to Andhra Pradesh. She questioned whether Andhra Pradesh would reciprocate by installing statues of Telangana leaders in their state. The TRS chief also demanded the installation of statues of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Professor Jayashankar, and other martyrs of the Telangana statehood movement.
Unity Amidst Division
Despite the division of the Telugu states, Kavitha emphasized that the people remain united without any differences. She accused political leaders of attempting to dominate by attacking the identity of Telangana, asserting that only the TRS can protect the state's unique identity. Countering recent announcements by Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who plans to hold a massive public meeting in Telangana, and TDP leader Lokesh, who announced the party's expansion in the state, Kavitha questioned whether TDP, Jana Sena, and YSRCP leaders have ever committed to sharing water equally between the two states. She warned that people who have no love for Telangana are trying to engage in politics there, and that the public is closely observing their actions.
Kavitha's remarks come amid heightened political activity in Telangana, with opposition parties seeking to expand their footprint. The TRS chief's demand for statues is seen as an attempt to assert Telangana's identity and counter perceived dominance by Andhra leaders.
