In a passionate address in Hyderabad, K.T. Rama Rao, the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), declared that there are two distinct communities in Telangana: one comprised of fighters for the state and the other of traitors. He emphasized, “We are the tribe of fighters while they belong to the tribe of traitors,” during a celebration marking the birthday of BRS chief and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao at Telangana Bhavan.
KTR, as he is popularly known, articulated that the honor of the Telangana identity will be defended through history against those who challenge it. He poignantly stated, “Only those who have faced police brutality, seen the insides of jails, and spilled blood in the movements understand what identity means.” His remarks resonated strongly with the party cadre present, underlining the significance of those who have endured struggles for Telangana’s existence.
The celebrations included the cutting of a massive 72-kilogram cake, led by KTR, alongside former minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav and other party leaders. The atmosphere was electric, as KTR addressed the party workers and indirectly responded to recent criticisms from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy regarding KCR. He questioned the understanding of identity by those labeled as traitors, asserting that such individuals lack the knowledge of true identity and dignity.
“Some are talking about erasing history. Those who disrespect the pride of our community are merely making noise. KCR is a cornerstone of Telangana’s identity; he embodies the very essence of our state,” KTR asserted. He highlighted that only those who have shared in the struggles of the Telangana movement truly comprehend what identity and self-respect mean. He invoked the sacrifices made by various leaders and martyrs who fought for the rights and recognition of Telangana.
In his remarks, KTR praised several prominent figures from Telangana’s history, such as Komaram Bheem and Sammakka Saralamma, who fought against oppression, and noted that the legacy of KCR stands tall among them. He reminded the audience of the sacrifices made during significant movements, stating, “We are not a tribe of servitude but a tribe of independence.”
Furthermore, KTR linked KCR’s leadership to the aspirations of the Telangana people, emphasizing that the honor of the community is intertwined with their struggles and sacrifices. “KCR has never claimed to be the father of the community; it is the people who have given him that title. My father is a hero for Telangana, a hero for the entire Telangana community,” he stated passionately.
As the event concluded, KTR stressed that the best birthday gift for KCR would be to reinstate him as Chief Minister. He pointed out that during the movement for Telangana, there were formidable political forces like the Telugu Desam Party and the Congress, but the only power that propelled KCR was the unwavering determination to fight for justice for the Telangana people.
In a fitting tribute, KTR shared cake with former ministers, including Harish Rao, and other dignitaries present at the event. The celebrations not only marked a personal milestone for KCR but also served as a reaffirmation of the BRS’s commitment to the ongoing struggle for the rights and dignity of the people of Telangana.
