KTR launches “Praja Yodhudu” book, lauds KCR’s role in Telangana formation and development

BRS working president KT Rama Rao released Praja Yodhudu, a book on K Chandrashekar Rao’s life, hailing his role in Telangana’s formation and development. KTR defended KCR’s legacy, countered Congress criticism, and urged youth to learn about the state’s struggle

Hyderabad: Stating that Telangana’s statehood, which was dismissed by many as an impossible dream, was made a reality by BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao, BRS working president KT Rama Rao said on Friday that besides realising a separate Telangana by overcoming challenges posed by many, KCR transformed and reshaped the state, giving it its own identity.

He released Praja Yodhudu, a book authored by Mahendra Thotakuri, at Telangana Bhavan on Friday. The book chronicles the life and contributions of K Chandrashekar Rao, hailed as the architect of Telangana’s statehood and a transformative leader. He described the book’s release as a fitting tribute to the first chief minister of the state and a gift to Telangana society.

---

Addressing the gathering, he defended Chandrashekar Rao’s legacy, emphasising his role in achieving Telangana’s statehood against formidable odds. “When Telangana was considered an impossible dream, KCR dared to establish a political party despite opposition from powerful forces like Chandrababu Naidu, who was a key figure in the NDA government, and the Congress, with its century-long history of neglecting Telangana,” he said. He stated that Chandrashekar Rao’s resolve turned “zero into a tsunami”, leading to the creation of a separate Telangana.

He refuted allegations by Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who accused KCR of plunging Telangana into debt. He cited the Central government’s statement in Parliament, which clarified that the BRS government incurred only Rs 2.80 lakh crore in debt over a decade. In contrast, he claimed that Revanth Reddy’s government had amassed a similar debt in just 20 months. He accused Congress of going all out in a false campaign to defame KCR and mask their governance failures. He urged BRS workers to take these facts to the public.

Highlighting KCR’s achievements, he credited him with elevating Telangana’s global stature through projects like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, the world’s largest of its kind, which transformed agriculture and propelled Telangana to the top rank in the sector. He also praised KCR for ensuring tap water connections to every household, eradicating fluorosis in Nalgonda, and establishing medical and nursing colleges in every district — a vision unmatched by any previous chief minister of united Andhra Pradesh. The Rythu Bandhu scheme, which disbursed Rs 73,000 crore to 70 lakh farmers, was cited as a unique initiative in India’s history.

KT Rama Rao recounted the challenges KCR had faced 25 years ago, when Telangana was marred by systemic suppression and its culture was mocked in mainstream media. “Forming a party and securing statehood in such a hostile environment, dominated by Congress, BJP, and TDP, was an act of extraordinary courage,” he said. Quoting folk poet Gorati Venkanna, he described KCR as “a son who gave birth to his mother”, emphasising his role in reviving Telangana’s identity.

Reflecting on his personal journey, he shared how his interactions with KCR, Prof Jayashankar, and Vidyasagar Rao between 2004 and 2006 deepened his understanding of Telangana’s history and struggles. He dismissed critics who downplay KCR’s contributions, asserting that only those unaware of the oppressive conditions of the past would question his legacy.

He urged the youth to learn about the Telangana struggle through books, audio, and video formats, ensuring the legacy of leaders like KCR, Kaloji, and Jayashankar inspires future generations.