Pointing out that the fact that Telangana got freedom only on September 17, 1948, that is, a full 13 months after the country attained freedom on August 15, 1947, is not known to many of the current generation, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, said that some people had maliciously suppressed the true history of Telangana.
“There is nothing more evil than concealing such a great struggle, the real history, the sacrifices, and the freedom achieved. Although the TG government did not observe ‘Telangana Liberation Day,’ the Centre felt that it should organise official celebrations. A gazette notification has also been released regarding this. Official celebrations started in 2022. It will continue in future as it was one of the greatest freedom struggles in history,” Kishan said.
Addressing Telangana Liberation Day celebrations at the Parade Grounds on Tuesday as the Chief Guest, Kishan said the struggle of the TG people against the Nizam is an incredible moment not only in the country’s history but also in the history of the world.
People volunteered to fight for freedom against the Nizam and the Razakars by using weapons like knives, axes, sticks, mortars and even chilli powder.
“After Independence when partition became inevitable, 565 states were merged with India as per the initiative of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. However, the merger of Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Junagadh and Kashmir became complicated. Among these four, the moment when Hyderabad was freed from the Nizam and his Razakars and merged with India is the most important,” he said.
He said that September 17, 1948, was the day of the immersion procession of Lord Vinayaka which was Ananta Chaturdashi, the day Telangana people got freedom from the Nizam. After all these years again on September 17, Liberation Day and Vinayaka Namajjanam came together, he said.
‘Waqf Bill intended to protect assets, solve disputes’
The Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill–2024 to resolve disputes regarding the maintenance of Waqf assets and to protect Waqf lands from encroachers, Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said.
Speaking to the media after attending Telangana Liberation Day celebrations at the Parade Grounds on Tuesday, he said the Centre decided to extend the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to all people who have crossed the age of 70.
He said that around 12 lakh people would benefit in Telangana due to this decision and the Centre will implement the scheme on its own without linking it with the state government. The Centre has increased the number of medicine seats substantially, he added.
Kishan said the Centre has infused confidence among its 23 lakh employees by ensuring 50 per cent pension through the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). The Union Minister said the Centre would set up solar power systems on 3.5 lakh houses through the PM Surya Ghar Mufth Bijili Yojana scheme.
He said the Centre will complete its target of 100 days and will work fast in future. The nation is moving ahead in all sectors and the Centre is trying to help all sections of people. Beneficial price is the top priority for the agriculture sector, he said.
Kishan said the Centre has decided to set up smart cities to make India a global manufacturing hub and as part of it the Centre allotted Zaheerabad Industrial Smart City. There is a possibility to create 1.75 lakh jobs here, he added.
