Centre, State Govts Make Arrangements for September 17 Celebrations

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is celebrating September 17 as Telangana People's Rule Day and arrangements are being made in all district collectorates to celebrate it. The State government issued orders by stating that the national flag should be hoisted in all government offices and local bodies.

The Telangana government has finalised the names of people's representatives, who will unveil the flag in 33 districts. On the other hand, the Central government is also holding an official function at the Parade Grounds here on September 17 as Telangana Liberation Day. The Congress government has decided to observe September 17 as Telangana People's Rule Day. Assembly Speaker and the Chairman of the Legislative Council and State cabinet ministers will hoist the national flag at various places as part of the celebrations.

It may be recalled that on September 17, 1948, the erstwhile State of Hyderabad merged with the Indian Union from the rule of the Nizam. The Communists observe this day as Telangana Liberation Day, Congress as Telangana Merger Day, BJP as Telangana Liberation Day and the main Opposition BRS party as the Telangana National Integration Day and New Democracy party as Anti-Telangana Day.

Before assuming office, CM Revanth Reddy, as TPCC president, had said after wresting power, he would officially celebrate the Merger Day of Hyderabad and hoist the tricolour as well. However, an order was issued announcing the celebrations of 'Telangana People’s Rule Day'. The Chief Minister said the Telangana government had decided to celebrate it to mark the beginning of the era of a democratic rule in the State. The CM will unveil the national flag and address the gathering at the Public Garden on Tuesday.