In a bold move, KT Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of BRS (Telangana’s political party), has taken Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to task for the removal of the Kakatiya arch and the Charminar from the new official emblem of Telangana. Expressing dismay over the omission of these symbols of Telangana’s rich historical legacy, KTR questioned the rationale behind such a decision. His criticism was articulated in an open letter addressed to the chief minister, underscoring the significance of these iconic landmarks in representing the state’s past glory.
KTR’s objection stems from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s statement regarding the eradication of all traces of monarchy from Telangana, a sentiment reflected in the forthcoming emblem set to debut on June 2. However, KTR pointed out the hypocrisy in this stance, highlighting the contradictory inclusion of Kakatiya art references in Telangana’s new official anthem, “Jaya Jayahe Telangana.” He emphasized the glaring oversight of the Kakatiya arch in the emblem redesign, signaling a disconnect between rhetoric and action within the state government.
Furthermore, KTR passionately defended the Charminar, emblematic of Hyderabad’s global recognition, labeling its exclusion from the emblem as an affront to the sentiments of Telangana’s four crore residents. Drawing parallels with other state emblems, he questioned the absence of monarchy references in Karnataka’s emblem and cautioned against erasing the political legacy of the BRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) through emblem alterations. KTR’s critique reflects broader concerns regarding the preservation of cultural heritage and the political motivations behind emblem redesigns.
In response, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended the process behind the creation of Telangana’s new state anthem, asserting the autonomy granted to the composer, Ande Sri. He assured that individuals instrumental in the statehood movement would be honored during the grand celebrations of Telangana Formation Day on June 2. However, KTR’s steadfast opposition underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the portrayal of Telangana’s historical identity and the role of political symbolism in shaping its narrative.
