KTR condemns Congress for cultural vandalism, calls for Statewide protests

"I appeal to BRS cadres to perform Palabhishekam and Panchamrita Abhishekam to cleanse statues of Telangana Thalli existing across the State on Tuesday, as reparation for the sin committed by the Congress and to seek her forgiveness. I also request the party workers and Telangana citizens to change their social media profile pictures to images of the original Telangana Thalli in solidarity," he appealed.

Hyderabad: BRS working President KT Rama Rao on Monday condemned the Congress government for indulging in cultural vandalism by altering the design of the Telangana Thalli statue, charging it with attempting to erase the cultural and historical identity of the State. He called for Statewide peaceful protests to highlight the issue.

“I appeal to BRS cadres to perform Palabhishekam and Panchamrita Abhishekam to cleanse statues of Telangana Thalli existing across the State on Tuesday, as reparation for the sin committed by the Congress and to seek her forgiveness. I also request the party workers and Telangana citizens to change their social media profile pictures to images of the original Telangana Thalli in solidarity,” he appealed.

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Rama Rao inaugurated the BRS Medchal district office and unveiled of the Telangana Thalli statue at the party office on Monday, marking the Deeksha Vijay Diwas to commemorate the announcement of formation of Telangana State.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said the Telangana Thalli represented the spirit of the statehood movement, akin to Bharat Mata during the freedom struggle.

“It is an icon of our cultural and political identity, shaped by poets, artists, and leaders like former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao. The Congress government, in an act of political vendetta, has disrespected this legacy by redesigning the statue and removing Bathukamma, a symbol of Telangana’s heritage, in a deliberate attempt to undermine our culture,” he stated.

Highlighting the historical significance of Telangana Thalli, the BRS working president compared her to Bharat Mata, whose statue was installed in Varanasi by freedom fighters and later honoured by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi without alterations. He criticised the Congress for failing to uphold similar respect for Telangana’s icons.

“Just like Bharat Matha became a symbol of India’s independence movement, Telangana Thalli emerged as a unifying symbol of the Statehood movement, reminding us of our fight for cultural and political identity,” he reminded.

Pointing out how other States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu revere Telugu Thalli, Kannada Ambe and Tamil Thai, Rama Rao said these symbols reflect their respective cultures and aspirations.

“Telangana Thalli belongs to the people of this State, not to any political party or leader. She symbolises the sacrifices of those who fought for Telangana’s formation and serves as a reminder of our shared heritage,” he asserted.

The former Minister slammed the Congress for engaging in “idol politics” and likened their actions to cultural vandalism. “No leader in history has replaced the mother figure of a State. Congress has insulted the aspirations of the Telangana people by diminishing the dignity of Telangana Thalli. When governments change, people’s lives should improve, not their cultural icons,” he said.

Rama Rao charged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy with targeting Telangana’s cultural symbols and heritage in his attempt to wipe out the legacy of BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao. “While Chandrashekhar Rao will be remembered as the architect of Telangana, Revanth Reddy will go down in history as a Telangana traitor who aimed guns at agitators during the movement,” he said.

The BRS working president also warned the Congress of political repercussions, asserting that the BRS would return to power in the next elections with a massive mandate. “On the first day of our government, we will restore Telangana’s identity by moving the Congress Thalli statue and Rajiv Gandhi statue to Gandhi Bhavan with due respect. The original Telangana Thalli’s statue will be installed in its rightful place opposite the State Secretariat and made accessible to people,” he declared.

He reaffirmed that the BRS, under Chandrashekhar Rao’s leadership, would continue to safeguard Telangana’s identity and heritage, warning that the people of Telangana would not forgive the Congress for its betrayal. “Revanth Reddy’s actions are a blatant insult to the people’s movement that led to the creation of Telangana. The Congress government must stop this cultural vandalism,” he added.

He castigated the Chief Minister for sacrificing the sentiments of Telangana citizens and altering the design of Telangana Thalli, only to officially organise the birthday celebrations of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in the name of “Telangana Thalli Avatharana Dinotsavam” on December 9, every year. He suggested that if Revanth Reddy had so much affection for Sonia Gandhi, he should celebrate her birthday at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad or 10 Janpath in Delhi, but should not undermine the sentiments of people of Telangana.

“The people of Telangana have self-respect. You are foolish to think that idols can be changed as easily as switching parties. It is your naivety to think that the divine form of Telangana Thalli can be erased from the hearts of crores of her children,” he cautioned.