BRS cadre have been observing `Deeksha Diwas’ across the state on Friday to mark the historic hunger strike by former chief minister and BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao, that forced the then union government to declare formation of Telangana.
The BRS activists have been undertaking two-wheeler rallies, distribution of fruits, blood donation camps and Anna Daanam for the poor, besides various other events across all 33 districts of Telangana. All the senior party leaders are participating in these programs in various districts.
It was on November 29, 2009 that KCR launched an indefinite hunger strike as part of his efforts to achieve Telangana State. However, the police arrested him and shifted to Khammam prison and later to the NIMS hospital in Hyderabad where he continued his hunger strike.
As his condition deteriorated after 11 days, the then UPA government announced on December 9, that the process for creation of Telangana State had begun, thus marking a historic moment. To mark the occasion, the BRS has been celebrating November 9 as Deeksha Diwas.
Recalling these historic events 15 years ago, BRS working president and former minister K T Rama Rao said “Telangana was not given, it was won by the people’s movement under the able leadership of K Chandrashekhar Rao after a protracted struggle against Congress. Thank you KCR sir for your leadership that inspires us everyday and will continue to do so for many generations to come.”
Former Minister and senior BRS MLA T Harish Rao said KCR said with the interests of Telangana and its people as paramount, the BRS supremo made Telangana State possible with his sincerity and commitment.He said on the X platform that Telangana is the fruit of KCR’s sacrifices and Telangana is the result of KCR’s movement.
Citing former President Pranab Mukherjee’s book ‘The Coalition Years: 1996-2012’, he said Chandrashekhar Rao was committed to the cause and was least bothered about the portfolio allocated to him in the previous UPA Cabinet. “Telangana is the result of Chandrashekhar Rao’s commitment, sacrifices and leadership,” he added.
Harish Rao in Siddipet, KTR in Karimngar, former minister Jogu Ramanna in Adilabad, former minister Yerrabelli Dayakar Rao in Warangal, former minister Reddyya Nayak in Mahabubnagar, former minister Sunitha Lakshma Reddy in Medak led Deeksha Divas events.