Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced that Sri Potti Sriramulu Telugu University will be renamed as Suravaram Pratap Reddy Telugu University. He explained that this decision was made to reduce administrative confusion after the state’s bifurcation, as institutions with the same name exist in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, CM Revanth Reddy stated that the renaming proposal was based on a review of government decisions over the past decade. The goal is to streamline administrative processes while also honoring Telangana’s cultural heritage.
Honouring Telangana’s Legacy
The Chief Minister clarified that the government respects Potti Sriramulu’s contributions, particularly his role in Andhra Pradesh’s separation from the Madras Presidency. However, he emphasized the importance of recognizing Telangana’s own historical figures by naming institutions after them.
Revanth Reddy pointed out that other universities were renamed after the bifurcation to reflect regional identities. For example, Andhra Pradesh retained NTR University of Health Sciences, while Telangana renamed its counterpart as Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences. Similarly, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University in Andhra Pradesh led to the renaming of Telangana’s institution as Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University. Additionally, Telangana’s horticultural university was named after Konda Laxman Bapuji, and its veterinary university was renamed after former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
Addressing Concerns
The Chief Minister dismissed concerns that these name changes were meant to disrespect historical figures. He explained that having universities with identical names in both states could lead to confusion. He also criticized attempts to spread misinformation about the government’s intentions.
Revanth Reddy highlighted Suravaram Pratap Reddy’s contributions to Telangana’s literary and cultural heritage. He noted that Pratap Reddy played a key role in the Telangana movement through the Golkonda magazine and compiled a collection of works from 354 Telangana poets, countering claims that Telangana lacked a distinct linguistic identity.
Further Proposals
The Chief Minister also proposed renaming Charlapalli Railway Station after Potti Sriramulu to honor his sacrifices. He urged Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay to take the necessary steps to make this happen.
Additionally, Revanth Reddy suggested renaming the nature cure hospital in Balkampet after former Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, recognizing his contributions to public service. He also announced plans to install a statue of Rosaiah at the hospital in his honor.
Concluding his speech, CM Revanth Reddy reassured that these decisions were made in the broader interest of the state’s administration and identity, rather than for personal or political reasons.
