Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, extended his greetings to the people of Telangana on the occasion of Telangana Liberation Day on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Telangana Liberation Day celebrations at Secunderabad Parade Grounds, an event organized by the Union Culture Ministry, Sanjay Kumar emphasized the importance of the day. He stated that if history had not been distorted by previous rulers, Telangana Liberation Day would have been celebrated on September 17, just as Independence Day is celebrated on August 15, and Republic Day on January 26.
Sanjay Kumar addressed allegations of bias, particularly towards Muslims, and clarified, “We are never against Muslims, and all Muslims are not Razakars.” He explained that the Nizam of Hyderabad had conspired to either separate the Hyderabad State from India or merge it with Pakistan. He added that millions of Muslims were brought to Telangana, and there were plans to expel an equal number of Hindus from Hyderabad State to influence the outcome of a potential referendum on joining the Indian Union.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for supporting the celebration of Telangana Liberation Day. He also thanked Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Kishan Reddy, for taking the initiative to organize the event.
Sanjay Kumar, who is also the MP from Karimnagar, highlighted that the struggle against the Nizam’s rule in Telangana was not directed against any particular group or party. Instead, it was a fight between patriots who wanted a united India and traitors who sought the partition of the country.
He further explained that the fight was not just about land or livelihoods but about freeing the people of Telangana from the oppressive rule of the Nizam and allowing them to live in freedom.
The Minister also praised the people of Telangana, noting that they stood united against the Nizam’s tyrannical rule, regardless of caste, religion, or community. He specifically mentioned the bravery of Telangana women, who fought back against the Razakars using pestles and chilli powder.
Sanjay Kumar emphasized that Telangana Liberation Day is an opportunity to educate today’s generation about the struggles, sacrifices, and suffering endured by the people of Telangana.
He concluded by recalling the role of Osmania University during the Telangana movement, where the slogan “Jai Telangana” was prominent. During the fight against the Nizam’s dictatorship, the slogan “Vande Mataram” resonated across the university. He credited Sardar Patel for recognizing the threat posed by the Nizam’s rule, likening it to “cancer in the stomach of mother India.” Patel ordered Operation Polo, which led to the Nizam’s surrender and the end of 800 years of foreign rule in the region.
