Date: August 21, 2024
Political Clash Over Rajiv Gandhi Statue in Telangana
The soon-to-be-unveiled Rajiv Gandhi statue in front of the state Secretariat has sparked an intense political conflict in Telangana. Congress Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has responded aggressively to threats from BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), who declared his party’s intention to remove the statue if BRS returns to power in 2029. KTR claimed that the site for the statue was originally intended for the installation of Telangana Talli, a statue that represents the mother of Telangana, during the previous BRS government.
In response to KTR’s comments, Revanth Reddy issued a direct challenge to BRS leaders. During a public event on Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary, where he garlanded a statue of the former Prime Minister at Punjagutta in Hyderabad, Revanth warned BRS leaders not to touch the Rajiv Gandhi statue. He stated, “BRS may have lost power, but their arrogance persists. However, they will never return to power.”
Congress Defends Its Choice
Revanth Reddy justified the installation of Rajiv Gandhi’s statue by highlighting the Congress party’s role in achieving statehood for Telangana. He argued that without the efforts of the Gandhi family, Telangana might not have come into existence. Congress believes that Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy deserves recognition, and this statue serves as a tribute to his contributions.
Revanth Reddy justified the installation of Rajiv Gandhi’s statue by highlighting the Congress party’s role in achieving statehood for Telangana. He argued that without the efforts of the Gandhi family, Telangana might not have come into existence. Congress believes that Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy deserves recognition, and this statue serves as a tribute to his contributions.
Political Tension Continues
The BRS, on the other hand, maintains that the land allocated for the statue should have been reserved for Telangana Talli, a symbol of the state’s identity and pride. KTR’s comments about removing the statue once BRS regains power have fueled further tension between the parties. This political showdown continues to be a focal point of Telangana’s political narrative.
With both parties standing their ground, the controversy surrounding Rajiv Gandhi’s statue has evolved into a larger political battle, symbolizing the ongoing rivalry between Congress and BRS.