Parties celebrate 80th Independence Day on a grand note

On the 80th Independence Day, political parties in Telangana celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm. They hoisted the national flag at their respective party headquarters in Hyderabad and spoke about the country's diversity and the issues faced by its people. The celebrations took place at Gandhi Bhavan, with TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud as the chief guest.

Mr. Goud emphasized that freedom was achieved through the sacrifices of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, and countless freedom fighters. He called for rejecting attempts to distort the history of India's Independence and stressed the importance of upholding constitutional values, secularism, democracy, and social justice.

The TPCC chief also highlighted the efforts of the Telangana government in implementing promises made to the people, focusing on welfare, development, farmers, women, and students. However, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao pointed out that despite 80 years of Independence, development hoped by the freedom fighters remains elusive.

He noted that many villages still lack basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water supply, and schools. Farmers continue to struggle for irrigation resources.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Telangana president N. Ramachandar Rao remembered the sacrifices of the martyrs and freedom-fighters who laid down their lives for the country's Independence. He praised the Modi government's efforts, including the establishment of the Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University, modernization of Secunderabad and other railway stations, and revival of industrial projects in Kazipet.

However, Mr. Rao criticized the State government for withholding around ₹12,000 crore in pending fee-reimbursement dues and for allegedly burdening the public with taxes by dividing GHMC into three corporations.