Hyderabad: On Sunday, Anji Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Liberation Festival Committee and MLC, urged that September 17 be officially recognized as Telangana Liberation Day. This date is significant as it marks when Hyderabad State joined the Indian Union through Operation Polo under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, happening thirteen months after India gained independence in 1947.
Anji Reddy highlighted the harsh rule of the Nizam and the cruel acts of the Razakars. He pointed out that the BJP has been committed to preserving this history, aiming to educate future generations about the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle. He criticized previous state governments for not officially marking the day.
He observed that even after nine years in office, the BRS government did not make it an official event. In 2023, while the BJP-led central government celebrated the day at the Parade Ground, the state government chose to call it “National Integration Day” and later “People’s Day” under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Anji Reddy assured that a future BJP government in Telangana would officially observe Liberation Day. He recalled the party’s efforts since 1998 when they started a series of commemorations. Starting September 2, various events will take place statewide, beginning with a tribute to martyrs at Gundraipalli. The main event on September 17 will feature Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Parade Grounds.
