Telangana Liberation Day is for commemorating struggles against Nizam's autocratic rule: Union MoS Bandi Sanjay Kumar

"We are celebrating Telangana Liberation Day to commemorate the struggles against Nizam's autocratic rule, led by brave individuals like Komaram Bheem, Chakali Ailamma, Swami Ramananda Tirtha, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, and Konda Laxman Bapuji. Our aim is to remind future generations of this glorious history and preserve the legacy of our freedom fighters," Kumar said after inaugurating a photo exhibition at Parade Ground as part of the Telangana Liberation Day celebrations.

He highlighted that the exhibition vividly showcases the struggles against Nizam's rule and the fight for Telangana's liberation.

"The Central government, which had committed to officially observing Telangana Liberation Day, is organising the event as it did previously. Under the guidance of the Union Tourism and Culture Ministry and the Union Home Ministry, following directions from Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the celebrations are being held on a grand scale again this year.

"I am pleased to inaugurate the photo exhibition organised by the Central Bureau of Communication, as part of the Telangana Liberation Day celebrations. The exhibition vividly portrays the struggles against Nizam's autocratic rule and the fight for Telangana's liberation. The sacrifices of freedom fighters have been brought to life through captivating visuals," he said.

The minister emphasised that the struggles for Telangana's freedom were no ordinary feat.

"The atrocities during the Razakar rule were countless. Incidents like Bairanpally, Gundrampally, Parakal, and Veyyi Udala Marri continue to haunt us. The heinous crimes, including forcing women to play Bathukamma naked, are unforgettable," he said.

He also acknowledged Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, as the key architect of Telangana Liberation Day.

"When India gained independence, 562 princely states merged with the nation. However, the Nizam of Hyderabad refused to join. Patel recognised that if Telangana remained under Nizam's rule, it would be like a cancerous tumour in the heart of India. With the intention of liberating Telangana, Patel launched Operation Polo, a military action that ultimately freed Telangana from Nizam's rule, making him a legendary figure in the region's history," he said.

Meanwhile, the Telangana State government has decided to celebrate September 17, the day on which Hyderabad State was integrated into the Indian Union in 1948, as Telangana Praja Palana Day, the Day of People's Governance.

On that day in 1948, the then-Hyderabad state merged with the Indian Union. State Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari issued orders to this effect. Accordingly, the national flag will be hoisted at all government offices, urban local bodies, and gram panchayats on September 17. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will hoist the Tricolour in Hyderabad at an official programme, with ministers and other dignitaries doing so in district headquarters.

In 2023, the then-BRS government decided to celebrate September 17 as National Integration Day. The Union government, however, decided to celebrate it as Hyderabad Liberation Day, with the Ministry of Home Affairs issuing a gazette notification to this effect. Hyderabad merged with the Indian Union on September 17, 1948, following a "police action" under Operation Polo. While some describe it as liberation from Nizam rule, others refer to it as a merger with the Indian Union. (ANI)