HYDERABAD: “Prof. Jayashankar is the pride of Telangana, and we cannot forget him at this moment,” stated Bharath Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). Speaking at the Decade Celebrations of the State at Telangana Bhavan in Hyderabad, KCR reflected on the pivotal moments of the separate state movement.
During his address, KCR highlighted the resistance faced by the movement, recalling how the word “Telangana” was once forbidden in the assembly, and how some questioned the purity of the local Telugu dialect. He also touched upon the prolonged legal battle over the Mulki rules, which the Supreme Court eventually upheld, leading to the Jai Andhra movement. This movement witnessed tragic violence, with over 70 people killed in firing incidents, prompting a constitutional amendment by the Centre.
KCR noted that despite the challenges, three leaders from Telangana became Chief Ministers in united Andhra Pradesh. He credited the movement’s revival in 1999 to a lack of strategic leadership, recalling the enthusiasm and sacrifices of that time, including the demolition of Laxman Bapuji’s residence.
In closing, KCR asserted that BRS remains strong and resilient, emphasizing that a single electoral defeat will not dampen their spirit.
