Hyderabad: In a bold move, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha laid the foundation stone for the party’s version of the Telangana Thalli statue in Jagtial district on December 15, despite a government order prohibiting any alternate depictions of the symbol. Kavitha accused the Congress-led government of disrespecting Telangana’s cultural icons, vowing to establish Telangana Thalli monuments in every village. She emphasized that no government action would deter their commitment to preserving the legacy of Telangana’s identity and heritage.

The Telangana government recently unveiled its own statue of Telangana Thalli at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat, portraying a simple woman in a green saree holding maize, symbolizing inclusivity and agrarian roots. However, the BRS criticized this depiction, arguing that it undermines the state’s identity. In response, Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari issued a stern warning, declaring that any distortion or desecration of the officially recognized statue would be treated as a criminal offense.

Kavitha responded by reaffirming the BRS’s dedication to upholding Telangana’s cultural pride. She linked the Telangana Thalli to Bathukamma, a cultural treasure, and accused the Congress of attempting to erase the essence of the state’s identity. The ongoing dispute between the Congress and BRS over Telangana Thalli’s representation has sparked a heated debate, reflecting deeper political and cultural divides.