New Delhi: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has declined an invitation from Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to attend the “Praja Palana Dinotsavam” (celebration of people’s governance day) on September 17, citing concerns over the event’s intent and naming.
In a strongly-worded letter to the CM, Reddy expressed disappointment that the event’s name downplays the struggle for liberation from the Nizam’s rule. He argued that September 17 should be commemorated as a day of courage, sacrifice and martyrdom, rather than merely as a transition from monarchy to democracy.
“As the son of this very soil, you are well aware that the people of Hyderabad Samsthan sustained a spirited struggle for years to liberate this region from the brutalities of the Nizam and his private army of Razakars, ” he wrote.
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Reddy slams event name as ‘historical distortion’
Criticising the event’s name Reddy wrote, “To describe the Liberation of Hyderabad as just another transition of power from a monarchy to a democracy not only subverts the heroic struggle but also propagates further the politics of appeasement.””To describe the Liberation of Hyderabad as just another transition of power from a monarchy to a democracy not only subverts the heroic struggle but also propagates further the politics of appeasement, ” he wrote.
Reddy said that the Narendra Modi government has been recognising September 17 as a significant day, honouring the bravery and valour of those who fought for liberation. He accused the CM of attempting to “erase the truth” and “propagate politics of appeasement.”
Reddy highlights Centre’s commitment
“On the contrary, the Narendra Modi Government over the last few years has been commemorating September 17th by giving it the recognition that it deserves in a form and manner that pays homage to the courage, sacrifice and valour of those who made the liberation possible, ” the Union minister wrote.
The Union minister concluded that he cannot participate in an “insincere ritual” that distorts history. “I therefore cannot be party to an insincere ritual which blatantly attempts to erase the truth from the people.”
