While Republic Day celebrations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu — two states where the government is at loggerheads with Governors — saw both parties share the stage amicably, the situation only worsened for Telangana government’s relationship with its Governor.
Chief Minister of Telangana Chandrashekar Rao refused to participate in Republic Day celebrations with Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and skipped the flag-unfurling at Raj Bhavan.
In retaliation, Dr Soundararajan launched a veiled attack against the BRS first family in her Republic Day speech. Making references to “farm houses” and “construction of new buildings”, the Governor pulled up the Telangana ruling party.
Things, however, went from bad to worse when the Telangana Governor, in an unprecedented, never-before-seen move, joined a panel discussion with BJP and BRS spokespersons on national television.
When Governor took to TV
She joined a panel discussion titled #KCRvsGovernor FACEOFF to criticise the BRS government in Telangana and the chief minister for the “manner in which Republic Day was treated”.
“Two months ago, I wrote a letter to the government asking for an event celebrated in a grand manner with public participation. They did not respond. Just two days back they gave a letter saying that it would be conducted at Raj Bhawan and only chief secretary and DGP will attend. The whole country celebrated Republic Day, a constitutional day, not some ordinary programme,” said Governor Soundararajan.
In rebuttal, BRS spokesperson Revula Sridhar Reddy said that the speech on Republic Day was not coming from the Governor but from the BJP. He also questioned the Governor on the unusual delay in clearing Bills submitted by the government that had been duly passed by the legislature.
While refusing to respond to the question of the Bills, Governor Soundararajan accused the Chandrashekar Rao government of refusing to provide her with a speech.
New low, says BRS
While the Governor utilised the TV news space to go after the BRS government in Telangana, the ruling party did not like her appearing on TV one bit.
“A new low! Governors are attending political debates on primetime TV! And look at her response when asked about pending Bills sent to her by Telangana govt!,” Telangana Digital Media Director Kontham Dileep tweeted.
A new low!
Governors attending political debates on primetime TV!
And look at her response when asked about pending bills sent to her by Telangana govt! https://t.co/pZ8CsaYApP
— Konatham Dileep (@KonathamDileep) January 27, 2023
R-Day speech by Governor
Inspecting a low-key parade, the Governor took potshots at Chief Minister KCR, albeit in an oblique fashion. Soon after, BRS spokespersons went all out against the Governor, digging into her family and life and deeming her “unconstitutional”.
Referring to the farmhouse of the chief minister, she said that development meant all farmers should have farms and houses and not that a few own farmhouses. “Buildings are not development. Nation-building is development,” Soundararajan said.
“If having a Farm House is a Crime then why in 2019 Madam Governor @DrTamilisaiGuv purchased a Farm House in Mangadu Village survey No’s 10/6,4/3, 10/2, 10/3,10/4 ….#UnConstitutionalGovernor,” BRS spokesperson Krishank Manne tweeted.
If having a Farm House is a Crime then why in 2019 Madam Governor @DrTamilisaiGuv purchased a Farm House in Mangadu Village survey No’s 10/6,4/3, 10/2, 10/3,10/4 …. #UnConstitutionalGovernor pic.twitter.com/zS3KFMngBa
— Krishank (@Krishank_BRS) January 26, 2023
The Governor, in her address, pointed at what she called the “stressful conditions” in Telangana. She said: “National statistics show that every day 22 suicides are taking place in Telangana, which is about one death per hour.”
The BRS retaliated, as expected. “Governor of Telangana’s interest is politics in Tamil Nadu that is why she wants to wish in Tamil celebrating in a Telugu-speaking state! This is what happens when BJP politicians are made Governors,” Krishank tweeted.
Governor of Telangana’s interest is Politics in Tamilnadu that is why she wants to Wish in Tamil celebrating in a Telugu speaking State !
This is what happens when BJP Politicians are made Governors pic.twitter.com/wfl5Elr35Y— Krishank (@Krishank_BRS) January 26, 2023
She did not hide her displeasure while describing development in the state. “If every child studies in the best university, then it is development. If only my child studies in a university abroad, then it is not development,” she said, implying that Telangana was lagging in development.
“Governor @DrTamilisaiGuv garu’s son getting a John Hopkins University Certificate is not enough , other children should also be able to get is what Governor garu meant in her Republic Day speech ? ?” Krishan tweeted.
Governor @DrTamilisaiGuv garu’s son getting a John Hopkins University Certificate is not enough , other children should also be able to get is what Governor garu meant in her Republic Day speech ? ?
— Krishank (@Krishank_BRS) January 26, 2023
The Governor stressed the need for an effort to protect Telangana’s self-respect. She said everyone has to fight for the rights of the people of Telangana people, delivering yet another googly at the chief minister. But that was also quickly countered by the BRS.
Telangana’s New Secretariat Building named after Babasaheb BR Ambedkar and Governor @DrTamilisaiGuv has a problem and gives irresponsible statements ! pic.twitter.com/mzj62g1ZLf
— Krishank (@Krishank_BRS) January 26, 2023
BRS MLC hits new low
While leaders of BRS sought to make a point-by-point rebuttal to the veiled remarks of Governor Soundararajan, an MLC from the party, Padi Kaushik Reddy, crossed a line when he went on a foul-mouthed rant against the Governor.
In a clip that surfaced online, he was heard saying, ‘’You are saying what you want. We can see the frustration on your face and there is no smile on your face. You are speaking from the position of being a Governor but I ask which Constitution is this Governor following? The Governor is sitting on the Bills passed by Assembly and Council. Is this the Constitution that allows you to do that?’’ he said in the video.
తెలంగాణ ముఖ్యమంత్రి గారికి ఏమాత్రం మహిళలలపై గౌరవం, నైతిక విలువలు ఉంటే తక్షణమే తెలంగాణ గవర్నర్ గారిపై సంస్కారం మరిచి అనుచిత వ్యాఖ్యలు చేసిన బీఆర్ఎస్ ఎమ్మెల్సీ పాడి కౌశిక్ రెడ్డిని పార్టీ నుండి సస్పెండ్ చేయాలి. pic.twitter.com/U2Wv6fD6us
— A.Venkata Ramana (AVR) (@AerpulaVenkata) January 26, 2023
Meanwhile, BJP Corporator from Saroornagar in Hyderabad Akula Srivani has filed a complaint with the police to take legal action against Padi Kaushik Reddy for making inappropriate comments against the Telangana Governor.
