The Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday moved an adjournment motion notice in the state Legislative Assembly, demanding that the state government officially celebrate Telangana Liberation Day on September 17.
The party is pressing for formal recognition and statewide observance of the day that marks the end of Nizam rule and the integration of the former Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948.
BJP’s Demand and Statements
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy expressed regret that the day has “not received the same recognition” across Telangana as liberation days observed in other regions that were once part of the Hyderabad State.
Speaking while reviewing preparations for the Central government-organised event at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, Reddy noted that certain districts of the erstwhile Hyderabad State that are now in Maharashtra have been observing Hyderabad Liberation Day. He said it was unfortunate that Telangana had not given the occasion similar official status.
The BJP has long argued that September 17 should be commemorated as a day of liberation from the Nizam’s rule, highlighting the role of the Indian Army’s Operation Polo and the sacrifices made during the struggle.
Differing Observances
While the Central government has been organising official Telangana Liberation Day celebrations in recent years (with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan scheduled as chief guest for the 2026 event), successive state governments have approached the day differently.
Previous BRS governments observed it as National Integration Day, while the current Congress government has referred to it as Telangana Praja Palana (People’s Governance) Day. The BJP has consistently demanded that the state officially designate and celebrate it as Liberation Day without renaming it.
Background
On September 17, 1948, the Nizam of Hyderabad announced a ceasefire following the Indian Army’s Operation Polo, leading to the formal integration of the princely state into the Indian Union the next day. The day remains a significant historical marker in Telangana’s political and public discourse.
The adjournment motion reflects the BJP’s ongoing effort to push for greater official recognition of the occasion at the state level.