The long-contended issue of whether September 17 is an integrity day or liberation day for Telangana is again up for discussion this year, as political parties take their own stance.
What is the contention about?
After India won its Independence from the British, Hyderabad’s ruler Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, chose not to join the Dominion of India and signed a ‘Standstill agreement’ with the Indian government.
According to the agreement, India would not place troops in the Hyderabad region but will handle its external affairs. However, this was not to be, as the Nizam clandestinely communicated with Pakistan and even loaned it money.
Concerned with the law and order situation in the Hyderabad region, India initiated ‘Operation Polo,’ and sent the army to finalize the annexation. The Nizam surrendered without a fight on September 17, 1948, and Hyderabad’s accession was eventually formalized two years later.
The ruling TRS party and Congress party have chosen to observe the day as Telangana National Integrity Day, arguing that Telangana was integrated with the rest of the country.
However, BJP maintains that September 17 is a day of liberation because the Indian army liberated Hyderabad from the Nizam. Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Hyderabad and will attend Telangana Liberation Day celebrations.
So, both central and state governments will commemorate the day but will use different words to describe the day.