Revanth Reddy Lays Foundation Of Rajiv Gandhi Statue In Hyderabad, BRS Wants Telangana Talli Statue

This move by the Congress-led government has sparked controversy with BRS questioning Rajiv Gandhi's relevance to Telangana.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy laid the foundation stone for the late former PM Rajiv Gandhi's statue at the Telangana secretariat on Wednesday. He additionally announced that the unveiling ceremony would be conducted by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. However, the move by the Congress-led government sparked controversy with BRS questioning Rajiv Gandhi's relevance to Telangana.

The BRS also alleged that the Congress by canceling the proposed Telangana Talli (Mother Telangana) statue was instead installing the Rajiv Gandhi statue.

Rajiv Gandhi Statue: Kavitha Writes To Legislative Council Secy

In response, BRS MLC K Kavita penned a letter to the legislative council secretary regarding the Rajiv Gandhi statue. She urged the government to reconsider the installation of the Rajiv Gandhi statue on the secretariat premises. Kalvakuntla Kavitha also sought permission from the Legislative Council Chairman to address this matter in the House.

Kavitha said, "The decision to install Telangana Talli statue had widespread support because it was seen as a way to honour our state's rich cultural heritage and make us proud of our Telangana roots. However, I was troubled to hear that the present government has changed this plan. Instead of the Telangana Talli Statue, they have decided to lay the foundation stone for a statue of Rajiv Gandhi." 

She said that even though she respects Rajiv Gandhi's contributions she believes that it went against the wishes of Telangana people. Kavitha said, "Telangana Talli Statue is incredibly important to us.  It represents our unique cultural identity and reminds us of the struggles and aspirations of our ancestors. Replacing it with a statue of a national figure, no matter how important would erase what makes Telangana special."

Urging the state to reconsider the decision, she said that erecting the Telangana Talli Statue would honor Telangana's cultural legacy and respect the sentiments of the people.