Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, BJP State president N. Ramchander Rao and former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at the inauguration of the photo exhibition at Parade Grounds in Hyderabad on Wednesday (September 16).
| Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
BJP Telangana president N. Ramchander Rao on Wednesday said the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel should inspire the people of Hyderabad and Telangana in the same way that freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh and Rani Lakshmibai continue to inspire pride and patriotism among younger generations.
Addressing students and participants at the inauguration of the Hyderabad Liberation Day Photo Exhibition at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, Mr. Rao said Hyderabad’s liberation and integration into the Indian Union became possible because of the decisive leadership displayed by the country’s first Home Minister Sardar Patel.
He said that while people across the country celebrate India’s Independence Day on August 15 every year, it is equally important for children to understand that Hyderabad did not attain freedom on that date.
“Even after India became independent in 1947, Hyderabad remained under the rule of the Nizam. It was only on September 17, 1948, following Operation Polo and the decisive intervention of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, that Hyderabad was liberated and integrated with India,” he said.
According to Mr. Rao, the Nizam sought to keep Hyderabad independent after Independence. However, following the Indian military action, the Nizam surrendered and Hyderabad became an integral part of the Indian Union. “September 17 is therefore a historic day for every resident of Telangana,” he said, reiterating the BJP’s demand that the history of Hyderabad’s liberation be included in school textbooks.
Stressing the importance of historical awareness, he said, “Our future stands on the foundation of our past. Unless we know our history, we cannot fully understand the sacrifices that shaped our present. History offers valuable lessons and guides future generations.”
Meanwhile, BJP Legislature Party leader A. Maheshwar Reddy announced that a series of service activities would be organised across the country from September 17 to October 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and commemorate his 25 years in public service, including his tenure as Chief Minister.
He urged people to light lamps in their homes under the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme and pray for Mr. Modi’s health and long life. As part of the celebrations, elocution and painting competitions are also being conducted in schools across the State.
Published – September 16, 2026 07:14 pm IST
