Hyderabad: The Telangana Thalli statue is more than just a monument. it is a symbol of the state’s struggle for identity and autonomy. It represents the cultural ethos of Telangana, embodying the spirit of the people who fought for statehood. Telangana Thalli today finds itself in the midst of a political storm with the stage being set for unveiling of the new statue by the Chief Minster A Revanth Reddy on December 9.
Stark Resemblance
The Minister for Endowments Konda Surekha, who claimed that the Telangana Thalli statue unveiled by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) in 2017 was bearing the striking resemblance of his daughter, K. Kavitha. This statement has triggered a heated debate among political parties and the public, highlighting the deep cultural and emotional significance of the Telangana Thalli statue.
Minister Konda Surekha’s remarks have stirred controversy, as she suggested that the statue of Telangana Thalli, a symbol of the state’s cultural identity and pride, was not in the form it was desired to be. According to Surekha, this resemblance was intentional, sparking accusations of nepotism and favouritism within the BRS party.
BRS Response
In response to Surekha’s comments, BRS leaders have vehemently defended the statue’s design. They argue that the statue, which was designed and unveiled by KCR is a true representation of Telangana’s cultural heritage and should not be altered. BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) has been particularly vocal, stating that any changes to the statue would undermine the legacy of the Telangana movement and the sacrifices made by its people.
Accusations of Political Motives
BRS leaders have accused the Congress government of attempting to politicize the issue by proposing changes to the statue. They contend that the new design, which has been suggested by the Congress, is more of a “Congress Thalli” rather than a true representation of Telangana Thalli. This accusation has further fueled the political tensions between the two parties.
In a surprising development, Telangana government has released an image of the redesigned Telangana Thalli statue. The new design features a more traditional appearance, with the statue draped in a green saree and holding ears of maize and paddy in one hand, while the other hand rests in the traditional Abhaya mudra. This move paved the way for intense debate and criticism among political parties and the public.
Public Reaction
The controversy has also sparked a strong reaction from the public too. Many people have taken to social media to express their opinions, with some supporting the original statue and others advocating for a redesign. The debate has highlighted the deep emotional connection that the people of Telangana have with the Telangana Thalli statue and the broader cultural significance it holds.
Conclusion
The ongoing controversy over the Telangana Thalli statue underscores the complex interplay of politics and cultural identity in Telangana. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the state government will navigate these tensions and address the concerns of all stakeholders. The issue has become a focal point of political discourse, reflecting the broader challenges of preserving cultural heritage while accommodating diverse perspectives.
