Telangana Talli Statue Unveiling
In a significant political move, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to unveil the new Telangana Talli statue on December 9, 2024, marking a notable shift from the previous government’s approach. The unveiling coincides with the ‘Praja Palana – Praja Vijayotsavalu’ celebrations, a three-day extravaganza celebrating the Congress government’s one year in power. This event has sparked a range of reactions, from enthusiastic support to vocal opposition. The date also holds special significance as it marks the birthday of senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who played a pivotal role in the formation of Telangana.
Political Angle:
The decision to unveil a new Telangana Talli statue represents a departure from the previous government’s policies. Under the leadership of former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), the statue was a prominent symbol of Telangana’s identity. However, the new government, led by Revanth Reddy, has chosen to redesign the statue, aiming to reflect a more inclusive and contemporary representation of Telangana’s women.
Changes to the Statue:
The new Telangana Talli statue, designed by Prof. Gangadhar and his team from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, stands at 20 feet tall and depicts an ordinary Telangana woman. She is adorned with kumkuma on her forehead, a green sari, maize and paddy panicles in her left hand, and her right hand in Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. The statue also features red and green bangles, anklets, a nose ring, and three ornaments around her neck. The previous statue had a crown and held maize in one hand, with a Bathukamma pot on the other.
Revanth Reddy's Assembly Address on Telangana Talli Statue
In his address to the Assembly today, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the emotional and cultural significance of the Telangana Talli statue. He stated, “The idea of ‘Telangana Talli’ is not just a statue but an emotion shared by all the people of Telangana, which includes a population of four crore. In the fight for separate statehood, Telangana Talli united all the people. Telangana Talli guided the people toward achieving statehood. We have decided to honor this motherly figure by installing her statue at the Telangana secretariat. Telangana’s culture, tradition, and history were considered in designing the statue”. He also extended birthday wishes to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, acknowledging her role in the formation of Telangana
Unveiling Date:
The statue will be unveiled at 6:05 PM on December 9, 2024, at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, including around one lakh women, and special seating arrangements have been made to accommodate the attendees. December 9th will also be celebrated annually as “Telangana Thalli Avatarana Dinotsavam” to commemorate the unveiling of the statue and the cultural heritage of Telangana
Opposition Reactions:
The unveiling of the new Telangana Talli statue has not been without controversy. Former Chief Minister KCR has been criticized for not attending the event, with R&B Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy stating that KCR’s absence would label him a “Telangana traitor”. KCR himself has called the redesign “sheer idiocy” and accused the Congress government of neglecting more pressing issues. BRS working president KT Rama Rao echoed these sentiments, stating that the changes attack the very identity of Telangana. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also criticized the redesign, accusing the Congress of politicizing cultural symbols
Protests and Public Response:
The decision to redesign the Telangana Talli statue has led to protests from various groups who believe that the original statue should have been retained. These protests have been particularly vocal among supporters of the previous government, who view the changes as an attempt to erase the legacy of KCR and his administration. Public opinion is divided, with some viewing the change as a distraction from more urgent issues
Vijayotsavalu Events:
The ‘Praja Palana – Praja Vijayotsavalu’ celebrations have been a grand affair, featuring a range of events and activities. The three-day extravaganza included breathtaking aerobatics by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team, a drone and fireworks show, and a carnival. The culmination of the celebrations with the unveiling of the Telangana Talli statue is expected to be a highlight of the event
Annual Celebration:
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced that December 9th will be celebrated annually as “Telangana Thalli Avatarana Dinotsavam” to commemorate the unveiling of the statue and the cultural heritage of Telangana
Conclusion
The unveiling of the new Telangana Talli statue by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is a significant political and cultural event that has sparked a range of reactions. While it represents a shift from the previous government’s policies, it has also led to protests and opposition from various groups. As Telangana continues to navigate its political landscape, the statue stands as a symbol of change and controversy.
