Summary:
Hyderabad, Sep 17 (PTI) In a veiled attack on the ruling TRS, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said it is unfortunate that the "Hyderabad Liberation Day" has not been celebrated officially all these years in Telangana due to "vote bank politics" despite some leaders promising to do so.
He said he would like to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for deciding to commemorate the day.
Shah was speaking at the Union Government"s official celebration of "Hyderabad Liberation Day" to mark the occasion of erstwhile Hyderabad State under Nizam rule merging with the Indian Union on September 17, 1948.
"...when there was a demand in the region that Hyderabad Liberation Day be celebrated with government endorsement, it is unfortunate that, 75 years are over, but those who were in government here could not dare celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day due to vote bank politics," he charged.
In an apparent reference to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, he said many people had promised during elections and agitations to commemorate the day but went back on them after coming to power.
"Many people had made promises, during elections and during agitations.
But, after coming to power, they turned back due to the fear of "Razakars" (armed supporters of Nizam rule)," he said.
He congratulated Modi for his decision to officially celebrate the day.
Shah said he is not surprised but happy that everybody now celebrates the day after Modi taking the decision.
"They celebrate the day.
But, it is not called "Hyderabad Liberation Day".
There is still fear in the mind.
I would like to tell them that remove that fear.
"Razakars" cannot make decisions in this country.