Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said even after the formation of Telangana state political parties were hesitating to celebrate the ‘Telangana Liberation Day’ due to “vote bank politics”. Shah hoisted the national flag at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad. Union Tourism Minister and BJP president in Telangana G Kishan Reddy was also present.
The union home minister was speaking at the Centre’s official celebration of ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ to commemorate the region’s freedom from erstwhile Nizam rule and merger of Hyderabad state with the Indian Union on September 17, 1948.
“No government in past 75 years celebrated the historic ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’… because of the appeasement politics, they were scared and did not celebrate Telangana Liberation Day,” Shah said.
“I would like to tell them that people of the country would turn away from those who turn away from their country’s history,” he added. The Union Minister pointed out that no government in the past 75 years has celebrated the historic ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day.
Owing to ‘appeasement policies’ the previous governments were always afraid and did not celebrate it, he said, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to celebrate the Hyderabad Liberation day.
Shah credited the country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the liberation of Hyderabad and said due to his efforts Nizam’s Razakars (armed supporters of Nizam rule), surrendered.
“After the independence from the British, Cruel Nizam ruled the state for 399 days. These 399 days were torturous for the people of Telangana. Sardar Patel helped the state gain freedom on the 400th day. Various organisations came forward for the struggle…” the Home Minister stated.
The Centre is also holding an event in Hyderabad to commemorate the day with the Home Minister as the chief guest. Notably, the Congress is also holding the first re-constituted Congress Working Committee (CWC) in Hyderabad.
The State of Hyderabad, which was under Nizam’s rule was annexed to the Union of India following a police action codenamed ‘Operation Polo’ that culminated on September 17, 1948.
Earlier, Shah on Sunday extended greetings to the people of Telangana, Hyderabad-Karnataka and Marathwada region saying this day marks the unwavering patriotism of the people and commemorates their unyielding struggle.