Political Row Over Telangana Talli: KTR Hits Back at CM
As the Congress government prepares to unveil the Telangana Talli statue at the state Secretariat on December 9, BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has launched a scathing critique of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Speaking in a television interview, KTR accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting Telangana’s cultural identity and sentiments by altering the depiction of Telangana Talli, a symbol deeply tied to the state's history and pride.
“Out of anger towards us, they have altered the very form of Telangana Talli,” KTR stated. “What will they do next—erase Telangana itself? Should we remain silent while they undermine our state and its identity?”
KTR condemned the portrayal of Telangana Talli as impoverished, calling it an insult to the people of the state. “Is it appropriate, in a society where mothers are worshipped as deities, to depict Telangana Talli in this manner? Telangana Talli represents our pride and heritage, not poverty. What kind of twisted mindset leads to such decisions?” he questioned.
The BRS leader further alleged that the Congress Party’s actions reflect a political agenda rather than respect for Telangana’s culture. “This is not Telangana Talli they are presenting—it is Congress Talli or Delhi Talli. That statue, with its blessing hand design, belongs in a Congress Party office, not in the Secretariat. How can it represent Telangana Talli? What rational person would make such a choice?” he said.
Reflecting on historical precedents, KTR recalled the evolution of regional symbols in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “During Andhra’s struggle to separate from Madras, there was Andhra Mata. During the fight against the Nizam, celebrated poets like Dasarathi and Ravella Venkata Rama Rao envisioned Telangana Talli. Later, after the formation of Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Talli became prominent. However, where are those Telugu Talli statues today? There were only two—one in front of the Secretariat and another in Mahabubnagar. A third was erected in Tirupati during the Telangana movement,” he explained.
KTR also contrasted the representations of Telugu Talli in Andhra Pradesh with that of Telangana Talli. “In Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Talli is adorned with golden crowns and ornaments, reflecting pride and prosperity. But here in Telangana, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s ideological poverty leads to the depiction of Telangana Talli as poor. What kind of regressive thought process is this?”
KTR accused the Congress government of undermining Telangana’s achievements and aspirations. “Telangana has the highest per capita income in the country. Yet, a Chief Minister claims that his own state is bankrupt. Is there a greater example of intellectual and ideological poverty than this?” he asked.
He further criticized the suggestion to replace the Telangana Talli statue with a statue of Rajiv Gandhi, calling it “an absurd and irrelevant proposal.” “Who are these so-called intellectuals advising such decisions? Is this what Congress prioritizes—erasing Telangana’s symbols and heritage?”
Highlighting the sacrifices made during the Telangana movement, KTR emphasized that the sentiment of Telangana’s people remains strong. “We fought for this state, endured imprisonment, and faced immense challenges during the movement. The same person who once opposed us has now become the Chief Minister and claims he will erase Telangana’s identity and heritage. But the people of Telangana are fully aware of the truth. Their connection to Telangana Talli and the state’s identity remains unwavering,” KTR asserted.