Telangana Thalli statue to be installed at secretariat December 9.
Reddy further criticized the BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) for its failure to establish the Telangana Thalli statue during its tenure. He pointed out that despite the BRS spending approximately Rs 22.5 lakh crore over a decade, they did not allocate even Rs 1 crore for the statue. Reddy’s remarks underscore his dissatisfaction with the previous government’s priorities, suggesting that they were never genuinely committed to honoring Telangana’s cultural symbol. He argued that the lack of funds dedicated to such a significant project reflected poorly on the BRS’s commitment to its promises and regional heritage. By highlighting this discrepancy, Reddy aimed to underscore what he views as a failure of the previous administration to invest in and uphold important state symbols.
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy Announces Placement of Telangana Thalli Statue
In a significant development for Telangana’s cultural heritage, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Wednesday, August 28, that the Telangana Thalli statue will be placed in the secretariat on December 9. The announcement was made during the bhumi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for the statue, marking an important milestone in the state’s efforts to honor its cultural symbols.
A Day of Celebrations
Chief Minister Reddy emphasized that December 9 will be a day of celebrations for the people of Telangana. The placement of the Telangana Thalli statue in the secretariat symbolizes the state’s commitment to its cultural heritage and the recognition of its significance in the state’s identity. The statue will stand as a testament to Telangana’s rich history and the pride its people have in their cultural symbols.
Criticism of Former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao
During his address, Reddy took a notable dig at the former Chief Minister and BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) supremo K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). Reddy criticized KCR for not establishing the Telangana Thalli statue during his tenure, despite the BRS spending approximately Rs 22.5 lakh crore over the past decade. He pointed out that this significant expenditure did not include even Rs 1 crore allocated for the statue, suggesting a lack of commitment to honoring the state’s cultural heritage.
Reddy remarked, “KCR thought Telangana was him and he was Telangana.” This statement reflects his criticism of KCR’s leadership style and priorities, implying that KCR was more focused on personal legacy rather than cultural and public welfare.
Critique of the Previous Administration
The Chief Minister further criticized KCR for constructing the Pragathi Bhavan and for distancing himself from the public. “A secretariat is established to make decisions which could help the state progress, for its people to prosper, and for ministers to be accessible to the public. None of the ministers from the previous government were available for the public as people were prohibited from entering the building,” Reddy remarked. This criticism highlights his dissatisfaction with the previous administration’s approach to governance and public engagement.
Rajiv Gandhi Statue and Controversies
In addition to the Telangana Thalli statue, Reddy also announced that a statue of Rajiv Gandhi will be established in front of the secretariat. The decision to place the Rajiv Gandhi statue alongside the Telangana Thalli is intended to honor the contributions of the former Prime Minister to the state’s development and his role in the broader Indian context.
While Reddy did not name specific individuals, he subtly criticized BRS working president KT Rama Rao in his comments. I know some people wanted to use the space for other purposes and are creating a controversy.” This remark underscores Reddy’s commitment to ensuring that the state’s memorials reflect its history and honor those who have contributed to its progress.
The Path Forward
The announcements made by Chief Minister Reddy mark a significant step in the state’s efforts to celebrate and honor its cultural heritage. The placement of the Telangana Thalli statue and the upcoming Rajiv Gandhi statue are seen as moves to strengthen the state’s identity and recognize the contributions of individuals who have played pivotal roles in its history.
As the date for the statue placement approaches, there will likely be increased public interest and discussions regarding these developments. The Chief Minister’s remarks about the previous administration and his plans for new statues reflect his administration’s focus on addressing past shortcomings and advancing the state’s cultural and historical narratives.
Overall, Reddy’s announcements and criticisms provide insight into the current political landscape in Telangana and the ongoing efforts to shape the state’s legacy and public spaces. The upcoming events and installations are anticipated to be significant moments in Telangana’s journey of cultural and historical recognition.