Hyderabad: Telangana Intellectuals Oppose Congress Plan for Rajiv Gandhi Statue, Cite Cultural Insensitivity
Intellectuals from across Telangana have voiced strong opposition to the Congress government’s proposal to install a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in front of the Telangana Secretariat. In an open letter addressed to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, prominent figures including Prof. Haragopal, Tankasala Ashok, Allam Narayana, Goreti Venkanna, and Mallepally Laxmaiah have expressed their concerns, arguing that the decision undermines the cultural identity of the Telangana people.
The letter underscores the significance of the existing Telangana Talli statue, which symbolizes the region’s culture, heritage, and pride. The intellectuals argue that replacing it with Rajiv Gandhi’s statue represents an attempt to erase the identity and spirit of a community that fought for statehood. Telangana Talli, they emphasize, embodies the language, traditions, and collective memory of the state’s struggle for self-respect and autonomy.
While acknowledging Rajiv Gandhi’s respect and contributions, the signatories assert that his statue does not hold the same cultural significance for Telangana as the Telangana Talli. They propose relocating the Rajiv Gandhi statue to a more appropriate venue that respects local sentiments.
The letter advocates for the preservation of the Telangana Talli statue and calls on the government to honor the cultural aspirations of the Telangana people. The intellectuals stress that the statue’s removal would be a disservice to the collective memory and pride of the community, which has celebrated Telangana Talli through poetry and songs during the statehood movement. They urge the state government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural symbols to uphold the dignity and unity of society.
