Telangana BJP President Shri N. Ramchander Rao on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Telangana statehood movement and called for collective efforts to build a “Viksit Telangana” as part of the larger vision of a developed India.
Addressing Telangana Formation Day celebrations at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi, Ramchander Rao extended greetings to the people of Telangana and said the state’s creation was the outcome of a historic mass movement driven by the aspirations, self-respect and sacrifices of its people.
Welcoming BJP National President Nitin Nabin, who attended the event as the chief guest, Ramchander Rao said his presence added significance to the celebrations.
Recalling the Telangana movement, he said more than 1,200 youth sacrificed their lives for the cause of statehood. “Telangana is not just another state. Behind its formation was a massive movement fuelled by the hopes, self-respect and sacrifices of the people,” he said.
The BJP leader noted that Telangana was achieved through a democratic and parliamentary process and highlighted the role played by the Bharatiya Janata Party in supporting the statehood demand. He paid special tribute to former Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj, describing her as one of the strongest voices for Telangana in Parliament.
“If Sushma Swaraj had not stood firmly in support of Telangana, the voice of the movement would not have resonated so powerfully in Parliament. The people of Telangana will always remember her contribution with gratitude,” he said.
Stressing that the statehood movement’s goals must now translate into rapid development and prosperity, Ramchander Rao said the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains committed to Telangana’s progress. He urged citizens to work together towards building a developed Telangana that contributes to the vision of “Viksit Bharat”.
Highlighting the shared cultural and linguistic bond between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, he called for stronger cooperation and healthy competition between the two Telugu-speaking states.
“There should be no bitterness between the two states. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should move forward with friendship and healthy competition in development. A developed Telangana and a developed Andhra Pradesh will together strengthen the vision of a developed India,” he said.