Telangana Thalli’s modified version doesn’t have a crown, Bathukamma and waistband and wears a green saree. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s decision to alter the statue’s design has drawn heavy flak from opposition leaders, including those of the BRS who accused the government of undermining Telangana’s cultural identity.
Ayodhya Reddy, Congress CPRO, defended the statue, stating, “Telangana Thalli symbolises our state’s culture and rural essence. Her ornaments, including the golden thread around her neck, reflect the simplicity of Telangana women, while the raised hand signifies protection, and the left-hand holds the crops that sustain our economy.”
However, Praveen criticised the statue, claiming it lacks authenticity and fails to resonate with the emotional and cultural significance associated with Telangana Thalli.
“This isn’t Telangana Thalli; it’s a redesigned version of ‘Telugu Thalli,’ which the Congress is using to appease Andhra sentiments,” he remarked, adding that the statue looks more like “a landowner intimidating tenant farmers than a symbol of Telangana’s struggle.”
The absence of the traditional Bathukamma, a floral symbol of Telangana women’s identity and devotion, and the missing crown have angered cultural activists.
Ayodhya Reddy attempted to cool down the concerns, by emphasising that the statue is a modern representation of Telangana’s progress. “This is not just a statue but a tribute to our women’s role in agriculture, rural livelihoods and Telangana’s resurgence,” he said.
The political narrative took a sharp turn when Praveen launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging that the statue reflects Andhra cultural elements rather than Telangana’s ethos.
He argued that the Congress government is distancing itself from Telangana’s revolutionary icons like Renuka Yellamma and Chakali Ilamma who symbolize grassroot struggles.
Praveen accused the Congress of deliberately diluting the spirit of Telangana’s liberation movement.
“The true Telangana Thalli stands for the sacrifices of our martyrs and the resilience of our women. This reimagined version diminishes that sanctity,” he stated.
While some appreciate the effort to modernise Telangana Thalli’s representation, others feel that the changes have diluted its authenticity. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments criticizing the design and questioning its cultural alignment.
“Revanth should stop playing with Telangana’s identity. The Telangana Thalli statue is a symbol of our identity, created through consensus among Telanganites from all sections during the Telangana movement. Thousands of Telangana Thalli statues were installed during the peak of the statehood movement. Trying to change the Telangana Thalli statue in a hurry to erase KCR’s legacy is an insult to Telangana’s identity. With Bathukamma in one hand and a maize/jowar cob in the other, the current Telangana Thalli statue includes all elements that are truly Telangana. Also, Telugu Thalli, Karnataka Mathe and Tamil Thai are all statues adorned with crowns and have a rich, majestic appearance. Why does Revanth want our Telangana Thalli to look poor without a crown? Why would anyone in their right mind want their symbol of identity to look poor?” the BRS said in a statement.
