Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Jun 3: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working president K T Rama Rao on Wednesday launched a sharp counterattack against Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, asserting that Telangana does not require lessons on patriotism and reminding him of the state's long struggle for self-determination.

Responding to remarks made by the Jana Sena Party chief during a recent press conference in Hyderabad, KTR said Telangana's history is rooted in decades of sacrifices and democratic movements, making any questioning of its identity or aspirations unacceptable.

Highlighting Telangana's economic contribution, he noted that while the state accounts for less than three per cent of India's population, it contributes around five per cent to the national GDP. He said Telangana's achievements speak for themselves and do not warrant external moral guidance.

KTR stated that Telangana respects Pawan Kalyan both as Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and as a popular actor. However, he cautioned against attempts to influence or dominate Telangana's political discourse, stressing that the state was formed after a prolonged and hard-fought movement that culminated in 2014.

Addressing concerns raised by Pawan Kalyan, KTR said no restrictions had ever been imposed on him or his family in Telangana, where they continue to reside and conduct business. He maintained that the state has always remained open and welcoming.

Reacting to Pawan Kalyan's comment that Telangana was not anyone's personal property, KTR asserted that the state rightfully belongs to its people and those who fought for its creation. He said the sentiments and aspirations of Telangana's citizens must be respected by anyone seeking a political role in the state.

The BRS leader also questioned Pawan Kalyan's criticism of regional movements, arguing that regional aspirations have played a crucial role in India's democratic evolution. He cited historical struggles for statehood and linguistic identity as examples of legitimate public movements.

On Jana Sena's decision to expand its political presence in Telangana, KTR said every citizen has the constitutional right to form a political party and contest elections anywhere in the country. However, he added that political leaders entering a state should acknowledge its history, sacrifices and public sentiment.

KTR pointed out that Jana Sena had already participated in previous elections in Telangana and reiterated that no one was preventing the party from contesting future polls. The issue, he said, was not political participation but respecting the state's journey and identity.

He also took exception to comments expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which Telangana was formed, arguing that such statements undermine the aspirations of people who fought for separate statehood. According to KTR, those opposed to Telangana's formation should state their position openly rather than making indirect remarks.

Concluding his response, KTR emphasised that Telangana's creation was the result of decades of struggle and sacrifice, and urged political leaders to be mindful of that history while commenting on the state's affairs.