Revanth Reddy faces flak for linking Telangana Thalli to Sonia Gandhi

The virtual unveiling of modified Telangana Thalli statues by CM Revanth Reddy on Sonia Gandhi’s birthday has sparked criticism, recalling his past jibes at Congress leaders. Critics question the timing, suggesting it aligns the ceremony with dynasty politics rather than Telangana Formation Day

Hyderabad: The virtual unveiling of the modified Telangana Thalli statue at District Collectorates by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday, coinciding with Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s birthday, has triggered widespread backlash, with many recalling Revanth Reddy’s own jibe at Gandhi, calling her ‘Bali Devatha’.

Several people strongly objected to the Congress government’s move to install and unveil the modified statues on Collectorate premises across the State. Many pointed out that the Chief Minister, during his tenure in the Telugu Desam Party, had made derogatory comments against Sonia Gandhi and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Congress of belittling Telangana sacrifices, particularly those of its youth. Revanth Reddy had blamed Sonia Gandhi for the death of 1,000 youth who sacrificed their lives for Telangana and had called her ‘Bali Devatha’, while dubbing Rahul Gandhi ‘Pappu’. In sharp contrast to those remarks, he unveiled the statues virtually on the second day of the Global Summit in Hyderabad.

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Addressing the occasion, he recalled that December 9, 2009 was a historic day when Sonia Gandhi initiated the process for the formation of Telangana. “Recognising the day that fulfilled the six-decade-long aspiration of the people, the government has decided to celebrate December 9 every year as Telangana Thalli Avatharana Utsavam,” he said.

Last year, the Congress government unveiled the modified statue at the State Secretariat on the same day. This year, on December 7, a circular was issued to District Collectors to ensure the Telangana Thalli statues were unveiled at 10 am on Tuesday.

However, the directive triggered criticism from various sections, with many questioning the rationale behind aligning the unveiling with Sonia Gandhi’s birthday. A few commented that the statues would eventually be shifted to Gandhi Bhavan.

An X user, @teluguETH, wrote: “Why is Telangana Thalli statue being unveiled on Sonia Gandhi’s birthday. It should have been done on June 2 in connection with Telangana Formation Day. How many more years will these people heed to dynasty politics.” Another user, Naveen Chary, said, “All these Sonia Gandhi statues will be parceled to Gandhi Bhavan. Just matter of time.”