Hyderabad, Sept 2026 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday called for building a modern and progressive Telangana while drawing inspiration from the struggles and sacrifices that shaped the state’s history.
Addressing the celebrations of ‘Praja Palana Dinotsavam’ (People’s Governance Day), the Chief Minister said the people of Telangana must remember their history but should also focus on creating a better future.
“We will not forget history. We shall not stop at history alone. Let us build a modern Telangana with the spirit of the past struggles,” Revanth Reddy said.
The Chief Minister hoisted the National Flag at the Public Gardens in Hyderabad and paid tributes to the martyrs of Telangana. September 17 marks the accession of the erstwhile Hyderabad State to the Indian Union in 1948.
Revanth Reddy said Telangana had historically been a land of resistance against oppression, exploitation, feudalism and authoritarian rule. He recalled the sacrifices of those who fought against autocratic forces and said the history of the region continued to carry important lessons for governance.
He noted that while India became independent on August 15, 1947, the erstwhile Hyderabad State continued under the rule of the Nizam. The state at the time included present-day Telangana and parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Chief Minister said Hyderabad had witnessed growth in areas such as industry, agriculture, education and healthcare during the Nizam’s rule and had gained recognition beyond the region. At the same time, he said, rural Telangana experienced feudal exploitation, bonded labour and social oppression. The activities of the Razakars further intensified the situation and contributed to widespread unrest and resistance.
Revanth Reddy recalled that the aspirations of the people eventually led the Government of India, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, to undertake Operation Polo. Following the military action, the seventh Nizam surrendered to the Government of India.
“On September 17, 1948, the Hyderabad State officially became an integral part of India. It is a significant day that marked not only the end of the Nizam's rule but also a historic moment that paved the way for the transition from monarchical rule to democratic governance,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the state observes September 17 as Praja Palana Dinotsavam to underline the importance of people-centric governance. According to him, people’s governance means respecting the voice of citizens, addressing their concerns, protecting their rights and ensuring that government resources and welfare schemes reach all sections of society.
He said the sacrifices and movements that preceded the integration of Hyderabad State conveyed a clear message that governance must remain connected with the people.
“The hopes and aspirations of the people must serve as the benchmark for all government decisions,” Revanth Reddy said, adding that his government was committed to a people-centric administration that upheld the spirit and self-respect of Telangana.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s economic progress, stating that Telangana’s per capita income had reached Rs 4,18,931, which he described as nearly 91 per cent higher than the national average. However, he stressed that development should ultimately be measured by improvements in people’s lives rather than statistics alone.
“Our main goal is to ensure that development is reflected not in statistics but in the actual lives of the people,” he said.
Revanth Reddy also outlined the government’s long-term development vision, saying that its objective was not limited to meeting present requirements but also to prepare Telangana for the future.
He said the government had formulated plans under ‘Telangana Rising Vision 2047’, with an ambition to transform the state into a three-trillion-dollar economy by 2047. Another objective, he said, was to increase Telangana’s contribution to India’s GDP to 10 per cent.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the development of ‘Bharat Future City’, which he described as the country’s first net-zero smart city. The proposed city is being developed across approximately 30,000 acres and is part of the state’s long-term urban and economic development plans.
Revanth Reddy announced that the Telangana government would unveil the master plan for Future City during the Invest Telangana Global Summit-2026, scheduled to be held in December.
He said the state’s journey from its historic struggles to its current development ambitions reflected the importance of combining its legacy with a forward-looking approach. The government, he added, would continue working towards inclusive growth while keeping the aspirations, dignity and welfare of the people at the centre of its governance agenda.
