KTR Warns Against Changes to Telangana Thalli Statue Design

Telangana’s BRS working president, K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), issued a stern warning against any modifications to the design of the Telangana Thalli statue, which is planned to be installed at the State Secretariat on December 9. Addressing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, he cautioned against tampering with the statue's design, emphasizing its deep sentimental and historical significance for the people of Telangana.

Speaking at a book exhibition inaugurating the Deeksha Diwas celebrations at Telangana Bhavan on Wednesday, KTR highlighted that even during political transitions, iconic statues like Bharat Matha, unveiled by Indira Gandhi, and Telugu Thalli remained untouched. He warned that altering the Telangana Thalli statue design due to animosity towards former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) or erasing his legacy would not be forgiven by history or the people of the state.

KTR vowed to restore the original Telangana Thalli statue if the BRS regains power in four years, replacing the statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi near the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat.

He underscored the importance of preserving Telangana’s culture and history through arts and literature. Announcing plans for an annual 11-day literary and cultural festival from November 29 to December 9, KTR revealed that the event would involve committees of writers, poets, historians, and artists and span across erstwhile district headquarters such as Warangal, Karimnagar, and Nalgonda.

Encouraging writers and poets to document Telangana’s history and statehood movement for future generations, KTR emphasized, “If lions do not document their legacy, hunters’ stories will become history.” He reiterated the BRS's dedication to celebrating Telangana’s identity through initiatives like officially recognizing local festivals such as Bathukamma and Bonalu and naming irrigation projects after local deities instead of political leaders.