Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s alleged disrespectful remarks in Parliament on Telangana martyrs and their sacrifices are nothing but “insulting” the state’s existence and self-respect, Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday, 19 September.
He also demanded the prime minister apologise to the people of Telangana for his remarks.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) in Telugu, Gandhi said, “Prime Minister Modi’s disrespecting speech on the martyrs of Telangana and their sacrifices is an insult to Telangana’s existence and self-respect.”
During his address in Parliament on Monday, Modi lamented that Telangana being carved out of Andhra Pradesh only led to bitterness and bloodshed in both the states.
తెలంగాణ అమరులను, వారి త్యాగాలను అవహేళన చేస్తూ ప్రధాని మోడీ మాట్లాడటం తెలంగాణ అస్తిత్వాన్ని, ఆత్మగౌరవాన్ని అవమానపరచడమే.#PMshouldApologisetoTelangana
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 19, 2023
Taking exception to the prime minister’s remarks, Telangana Minister and BRS Working President KT Rama Rao had described them as “disparaging” and said they reflected the prime minister’s “utter disregard for historical facts”.
Related: Utter disregard for historical facts: KTR slams PM Modi
PM Modi’s remark
Addressing the special session of Parliament on Monday, Modi initiated a discussion on the ‘Parliamentary journey of 75 years, starting from the Samvidhan Sabha — achievements, experiences, memories, and learnings’.
He recalled the contributions and speeches of stalwarts, including Jawaharlal Nehru, before touching upon the bifurcation of states.
Three states were bifurcated with utmost happiness in this House during Vajpayee’s time, he recalled.
“When Chhattisgarh was formed both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh celebrated it. When Uttaranchal was formed, both Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh celebrated it. And when Jharkhand was formed it was celebrated by both Jharkhand and Bihar. All the people celebrated it,” he said.
There were some bitter memories also, the prime minister further stated. “After the formation of Telangana, neither Telangana nor Andhra Pradesh could celebrate it. It was made amidst tensions. If it was formed with the same energy and fervour, then we could have celebrated a better Telangana now,” he opined.
“The seeds of hate were sown,” he added.
