On Deeksha Diwas, Harish Rao hails KCR’s resolve to make Telangana a reality

Marking the 16th Deeksha Diwas, senior BRS leader T Harish Rao hailed K. Chandrashekhar Rao’s 2009 fast-unto-death as the pivotal moment that made Telangana a reality. He recalled KCR’s sacrifice, the unity it inspired, and its decisive role in state formation.

Hyderabad: Hailing the historic fast-unto-death undertaken by party president and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao as the turning point that made separate Telangana a reality, former Minister and senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao said the memories of the fast and the intense days of the movement remain deeply etched in the heart, continuing to constantly rekindle the spirit of Telangana.

Recalling the crucial phase of the movement that culminated in Statehood, he posted an emotional note on ‘X’ marking the 16th anniversary of the historic moment observed today as Deeksha Diwas. Harish Rao recalled how Chandrashekhar Rao began his indefinite hunger strike on November 29, 2009, with the powerful slogan “Telangana vachudo.. KCR sachhudo” bringing together all the sections of people which dramatically changed the course of the statehood fight.

---

“The hunger strike that began on November 29, 2009 completely altered the trajectory of the movement. It heralded a new chapter in history and paved the way for the formation of Telangana making what was considered to be ‘impossible’ dream with many dismissing it ‘Rane raadu, kaane kaadu’ (it won’t come, it can’t happen).

“The history of relentlessly fighting for the aspirations of four crore people belongs to Chandrashekhar Rao. The courage to sacrifice not just positions of power, but even life itself for Telangana belongs to Chandrashekhar Rao only. The war cry ‘Jai Telangana’ that still resonates in the hearts of four crore people belongs to Chandrashekhar Rao only. Without his fast, there would have been no December 9 announcement by the UPA government. Without the December 9 announcement, there would have been no Telangana,” he said.

“Telangana was achieved through decades of struggle, not by the mercy or benevolence of rulers, that is the undeniable truth,” he added.