Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, September 16, praised the Nizams of Hyderabad while speaking in the state Assembly, a day before September 17, the anniversary of Hyderabad State’s integration with the Indian Union in 1948.
- Speaking about the history of the Nizam’s rule, Revanth Reddy said the Nizams were among the better rulers for most of their period and credited them with developing several important institutions in Hyderabad.
- The Chief Minister specifically referred to institutions and landmark buildings such as Osmania University, Osmania Hospital and the Hyderabad High Court, saying that much of the Nizam era spending was directed towards public development.
However, Revanth Reddy also referred to the final years of Nizam rule and the role of the Razakars during that period. His remarks have drawn attention because September 17 remains a politically and historically sensitive date in Telangana.
Different names for September 17
- September 17, 1948, marks the end of the erstwhile Hyderabad State’s rule under the Nizam and its integration into the Indian Union following Operation Polo, also known as the Hyderabad Police Action.
- Different political groups and governments have used different names to describe the significance of the day.
- The Telangana government observes September 17 as “Telangana Praja Palana Dinotsavam” or “People’s Governance Day”. The Centre has referred to the day as “Hyderabad Liberation Day”, while the previous BRS government had observed it as “National Integration Day”.
- This difference in terminology reflects continuing political and historical debates over how the events of 1948 should be remembered.
CM to hoist National Flag
- The Telangana government is scheduled to observe September 17 as Telangana Praja Palana Dinotsavam. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is expected to hoist the National Flag in Hyderabad, while ministers and senior officials will conduct programmes in other districts.
- The Chief Minister’s remarks about the Nizams came during the Assembly’s discussion of the state’s history and development. His comments are likely to receive attention because they were made immediately before the September 17 observance.
- The historical events surrounding Hyderabad’s integration remain an important part of Telangana’s political and social discourse.
