The Congress-led government of Telangana has chosen a diplomatic approach in celebrating September 17, the day Hyderabad was annexed to India in 1948, by designating it as ‘Praja Palana Dinotsavam’ or ‘People’s Governance Day.’
In his address, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy emphasized that this day marks the transition from monarchy to democracy in Telangana. He explained that after careful consideration, the government decided to celebrate this day in a way that honors the people’s role in overthrowing the Nizam’s monarchy.
“September 17 is a pivotal day in Telangana’s history. While some have called it ‘Liberation Day’ and others ‘National Integration Day,’ our government chose to celebrate it as ‘People’s Governance Day,’ recognizing the sacrifices of martyrs who fought for democracy,” said the Chief Minister.
Revanth Reddy stressed that this decision was not politically motivated but aimed at unifying the state’s diverse population. He also highlighted the significance of the Telangana Armed Struggle (1946-51), a communist-led peasant rebellion that played a crucial role in overthrowing feudal landlords and ending the Nizam’s rule.
The day, officially known as Operation Polo, commemorates the military operation that led to the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in 1948. While the BJP-run central government refers to it as ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ and the previous BRS government termed it ‘National Integration Day,’ Telangana’s Congress government has focused on the people’s role in bringing about democracy.
Revanth Reddy warned against any attempts to stir controversy or divide the state along caste or religious lines, emphasizing Telangana’s unity. He concluded by affirming that the decision to celebrate the day was made for the people, not for political gain.
