Telangana parties scared of celebrating Hyderabad Liberation Day, says Amit Shah

Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said even after the formation of Telangana State, political parties are hesitating to celebrate ‘Telangana Liberation Day’ due to vote bank politics.

Greeting people of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad, on the occasion of ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ on September 17, he posted a message on X (formerly Twitter).

“Happy Hyderabad Liberation Day to all the people of Hyderabad. This day is a testament to the unwavering patriotism and the unceasing struggle of the people of the Hyderabad State for freedom from the evil rule and oppression of the Nizam. My heartfelt tributes to all who were martyred in the liberation struggle of Hyderabad,” he tweeted.

Amit Shah was speaking on the occasion of the Centre’s official celebration of ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ to commemorate the region’s freedom from erstwhile Nizam rule and the merger of Hyderabad State with the Indian Union. The princely 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.

He said it is ‘unfortunate’ that political parties are hesitating to celebrate ‘Liberation Day’ due to vote bank politics. “I would like to tell them that people of the country would turn away from those who turn away from their country’s history.”

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 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not hesitate to join in the celebrations.

Amit 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's rule), surrendered. Union Tourism Minister and BJP president in Telangana G Kishan Reddy also spoke on the occasion.

PV Sindhu meets Shah

Ace badminton player PV Sindhu on Saturday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who said the nation takes pride in the international acclaim she has received for her exceptional sporting talent. “Met ace badminton player PV Sindhu today in Hyderabad. The nation takes pride in the international acclaim she has received for her exceptional sporting talent,” Shah said in a post on X.

“Her commitment, hard work and dedication are an inspiration for the younger generation,” he added.

Inputs from PTI