India Stands Firm Against Foreign Pressure, Says Defence Minister; Highlights Anti-Terror Ops and Telangana Liberation

Speedy Summary

• Event: Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh attended Hyderabad liberation Day celebrations at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, on September 17.
• Remarks: Singh stated India will act independently in foreign affairs and highlighted its stance against terrorism through ‘Operation Sindoor,’ recently paused after a terror attack in KashmirS pahalgam.He emphasized that action was based on behavior, not religion.
• Past Parallel: Linked Telangana’s armed struggle against the Nizam’s Razakars to current anti-terror operations. He remarked bloodshed during Hyderabad’s liberation in 1948 could have been avoided if the Nizam agreed to integration earlier.
• Actions Taken: Singh hoisted the national flag, inspected forces’ parade, and unveiled former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statue at Secunderabad Cantonment park during the event organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism & Culture.
• Tributes: Singh praised Sardar Vallabhbhai patel for leading ‘Operation Polo,’ unifying Hyderabad with India post-independence amid partition riots. Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar also acknowledged Patel’s contributions.
• Politics Surrounding Observance: Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy questioned Telangana’s lack of official party for Hyderabad Liberation Day unlike Karnataka and Maharashtra-vowing expanded observances if BJP wins state elections.
• Attendees/Dignitaries: Union Ministers (Gajendra Singh Shekhawat & Bandi Sanjay kumar), BJP leaders (N. Ramchander Rao & Eatala Rajender), other dignitaries were present; birthday wishes extended to PM Narendra Modi.

Indian Opinion Analysis

union Defence minister Rajnath Singh’s speech aimed to unify historical events with ongoing political narratives while emphasizing India’s independent stance on global terrorism and diplomacy-a meaningful assertion as regional stability remains critical for peace across borders. His remarks linking past sacrifices during Hyderabad’s liberation (via ‘Operation Polo’) align with broader efforts underlining key milestones in India’s nation-building process post-independence.

The commentary questioning Telangana’s reluctance toward officially celebrating Hyderabad Liberation Day highlights potential political divisions within federal-state dynamics on acknowledging historic events-a debate poised to gain traction toward upcoming elections given its emphasis by BJP leaders present at the event.

The references made regarding ‘appeasement politics’ from prior governments cast a spotlight on how historical commemoration intertwines with contemporary policymaking trends under Prime Minister Modi-especially amidst promises of honoring freedom fighters nationwide should power shifts occur from state level governance.

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