CM Revanth Emulating Footprints of Narendra Modi: Sravan

Hyderabad: Dr Sravan Dasoju, a prominent Telangana activist and senior leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi has expressed deep dismay and condemnation over Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s recent actions, which he describes as dictatorial and undemocratic. He strongly criticized CM Revanth Reddy’s decision to deface and displace the Telangana Thalli statue—a symbol of Telangana’s cultural pride and the historic struggle for statehood—with a statue of Bharat Ratna Late Rajiv Gandhi at the State Secretariat.

In an open letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Dr Dasoju urged immediate intervention to prevent the defacement and relocation of Telangana Thalli. He emphasized that such actions are a blatant insult to the ethos of Telangana, undermining its cultural identity, self-respect, and the revolutionary spirit embodied by the Telangana movement. “Telangana Thalli is not just a statue; it represents the struggles, sacrifices, and aspirations of the people of Telangana. Replacing it with the statue of Rajiv Gandhi, despite his significant national contributions, is an act of political manipulation that disrespects our cultural and historical values,” stated Dr Dasoju.

Dr Dasoju accused CM Revanth Reddy of dragging the legacy of Rajiv Gandhi into unnecessary political controversy, showing outright contempt for symbols deeply cherished by the people of Telangana. He pointed out that Revanth Reddy’s approach mirrors the tactics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been known for altering national symbols, thereby deviating from constitutional democratic principles.

“By attempting to deface and displace Telangana Thalli, Revanth Reddy is clearly emulating the footprints of Narendra Modi. Such dictatorial tendencies reflect a disregard for the values of the Congress party, which traditionally respects the historical and cultural symbols of all regions and upholds the federal spirit. Revanth Reddy’s actions are more aligned with Modi’s style than that of Rahul Gandhi,” Dr Dasoju remarked.

Dr Dasoju called for a more respectful placement of Rajiv Gandhi’s statue in locations like the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or High-Tech City, where his contributions to science and technology are celebrated. He suggested that Rajiv Gandhi’s statue be installed without overshadowing Telangana Thalli, thus avoiding unnecessary and divisive political manipulation.

“It is disheartening to see Revanth Reddy, who once remained silent on issues of honouring Rajiv Gandhi, now stirring controversy over Telangana Thalli purely out of political vengeance. Such actions are not only irrational but also disrespectful to the legacy of Rajiv Gandhi and the living legend KCR, who successfully led the Telangana Movement,” Dr Dasoju asserted.

Dr. Dasoju emphasized that the Martyrs’ Memorial, Telangana Thalli, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue are sacred symbols of Telangana’s struggles and identity. He criticized CM Revanth Reddy’s proposal to relocate Telangana Thalli inside the Secretariat, arguing it would disconnect the symbol from the public and dishonor those who fought for Telangana’s self-respect.

“The Congress Party must not stand by while one of its leaders irresponsibly diminishes Telangana’s cultural heritage. I urge Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to guide Revanth Reddy towards a more respectful and inclusive approach that honors both the national legacy of Rajiv Gandhi and the regional pride embodied by Telangana Thalli,” Dr Dasoju appealed. He called for immediate action to prevent any defacement or displacement of the Telangana Thalli statue, thereby preserving Telangana’s cultural identity and reaffirming the Congress Party’s commitment to respecting India’s diverse cultural identities.