BRS Reconnects with Its Roots to Regain Influence

Hyderabad, Dec 15 (NationPress) A year following their loss of power to Congress in Telangana, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is strategizing a comeback, not only by intensifying scrutiny over the government's alleged unfulfilled promises but also by highlighting the Telangana identity.

In their efforts, the BRS has organized protest initiatives against the perceived 'anti-people' actions of the government and the unfulfilled commitments by Congress. The recent controversy surrounding the 'Telangana Talli' (Mother Telangana) statue has provided an opportunity to frame a narrative centered around the state's cultural identity.

The revised design of Telangana Talli, introduced by the Revanth Reddy-led government in the State Secretariat, has enabled the primary opposition to challenge the ruling party by rekindling Telangana sentiments.

Over the past year, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has implemented several measures to reverse the previous government's decisions and attempted to diminish the legacy of BRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao (also known as KCR) within the Telangana movement.

Seeking to establish his own identity, Revanth Reddy altered the state's abbreviation from 'TS' to 'TG' and adopted 'Jaya Jaya He Telangana' as the official state song.

Revanth Reddy has publicly criticized the Telangana Talli designed by the TRS (now BRS), claiming it resembled K. Kavitha, the daughter of K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

Upon taking office, Revanth Reddy declared plans to redesign the Telangana Talli.

In May, when Revanth Reddy unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at the State Secretariat, BRS condemned him, asserting that the designated area was meant for the Telangana Talli.

BRS officials contended that while Rajiv Gandhi holds no direct relevance to Telangana, the Telangana Talli is emblematic of the state's cultural identity.

In retaliation for BRS's failure to erect the Telangana Talli during its decade-long governance, the Chief Minister promised to install it within the Secretariat grounds. Acting promptly, he laid the foundation stone and revealed the statue on December 9.

This date was chosen for its historical importance, marking the day in 2009 when the then Congress-led UPA government announced the initiation of the Telangana formation process. It also coincided with the birthday of prominent Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.

Revanth Reddy asserted that this is the first officially recognized design of Telangana Talli, which represents the true culture and traditions of Telangana. The government subsequently issued a notification endorsing the Telangana Talli statue and its attributes.

The notification indicated that the Telangana Talli stands on a pedestal of closed fists, symbolizing the spirited struggle for statehood, with palms raised in support of the pedestal. The left hand holds four traditional crops of Telangana, including maize, foxtail millet, paddy, and pearl millet, while the right hand symbolizes assurance of prosperity.

Unlike the earlier design which depicted Telangana Talli as a goddess, the revised version represents an ordinary Telangana woman. In the new design, there is no crown, and the amount of gold worn is significantly reduced.

BRS's contention stemmed from the exclusion of Bathukamma. In the original design, the mother was portrayed carrying 'Bathukamma' (specially arranged flowers) in her left hand and plants in her right hand, whereas the modified version depicts her with plants in her left hand and displaying 'Abhaya Mudra' with her right hand.

Since the hand symbolizes the election emblem of Congress, BRS leaders swiftly dubbed it the 'Congress mother'.

K. Kavitha, who had been relatively inactive following her release on bail in the Delhi excise policy case, seized this opportunity to re-enter the spotlight.

The daughter of KCR, who played an instrumental role in highlighting Telangana's unique cultural identity during the movement by participating in 'Bathukamma', quickly capitalized on the sentiment.

She sanctified the Telangana Talli statue with 'panchamritha' at the BRS headquarters, Telangana Bhavan, as a protest against the design alterations. She mocked the government's rationale for depicting Telangana Talli as a poor mother.

K. Kavitha condemned the exclusion of Bathukamma from the redesigned Telangana Talli as an affront to Telangana identity.

Regarded as a cultural symbol of Telangana, Bathukamma is celebrated by women for nine days, involving singing and dancing around specially arranged flowers. At the festival's conclusion, they immerse the flowers in local ponds.

Following the establishment of the first government in Telangana, BRS designated Bathukamma as the state festival.

The head of BRS's cultural wing, leading the Telangana Jagruthi initiative, organized a roundtable with intellectuals, poets, and writers to affirm their commitment to preserving Telangana culture.

K. Kavitha charged the Congress government with jeopardizing Telangana's heritage through its attempts to alter the Telangana Talli statue. She proclaimed that the original statue will be represented in every village, notebook, and calendar to ensure future generations honor the legacy.

Under KCR's leadership, BRS not only revitalized the Telangana movement but also succeeded in achieving a separate state and governed it for a decade. The party has always positioned itself as the exclusive advocate for the Telangana cause.

After experiencing a significant defeat in the Assembly elections last November, BRS faced further humiliation in this year's parliamentary elections, failing to secure any seats.

Having lost ground to two national parties, the BRS, despite the name change, appears to be returning to its foundational principles.