A newly unveiled version of the Telangana Thalli statue has sparked a wave of controversy, with strong reactions from both political leaders and cultural activists. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s decision to modify the iconic statue, which is a symbol of the state’s identity, has drawn heavy criticism from opposition leaders and cultural purists.
The redesigned statue of Telangana Thalli no longer includes a crown, the traditional Bathukamma, or a waistband, and instead features a green saree. These changes have led to accusations from the opposition, particularly from members of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), that the government is undermining Telangana’s cultural heritage. Critics argue that the modifications are an attempt to distance the state from its cultural roots and to alter a symbol that was shaped during the Telangana statehood movement.
Congress CPRO Ayodhya Reddy defended the new statue, emphasizing that it symbolizes the essence of Telangana’s rural culture. “The Telangana Thalli represents the simplicity and strength of Telangana women, with her golden thread and raised hand symbolizing protection,” he said. “Her left hand holding the crops signifies the crucial role agriculture plays in sustaining our economy.”
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Despite this defense, the modified design has faced strong backlash, especially from cultural activists and opposition figures. Praveen, a vocal critic, questioned the authenticity of the statue, claiming it does not resonate with the emotional and cultural significance tied to Telangana Thalli. “This is not Telangana Thalli; it is a reworked version of ‘Telugu Thalli’ that seems aimed at appealing to Andhra sentiments,” he remarked. He further criticized the design, suggesting that the statue looks more like “a landowner intimidating tenant farmers than a symbol of Telangana’s struggle.”
The absence of the Bathukamma, a floral emblem of Telangana women’s devotion, and the lack of a crown—both of which have been integral to the traditional representation of Telangana Thalli—has fueled outrage among those who see these elements as crucial to the statue’s identity. Bathukamma is seen as a symbol of the state’s women’s identity and cultural devotion, and its exclusion has angered many in the region.
Ayodhya Reddy responded to these concerns by emphasizing that the statue is a modern take on Telangana’s progress, stating, “This is not just a statue; it is a tribute to the women’s role in agriculture, rural livelihoods, and Telangana’s resurgence.” However, his comments have done little to quell the growing dissatisfaction, as critics argue that the design changes dilute the authenticity of the statue and weaken its connection to the state’s struggle for identity.
The political debate took a sharp turn when Praveen launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, alleging that the statue’s design reflects Andhra cultural influences rather than Telangana’s own ethos. He criticized the Congress for distancing itself from Telangana’s revolutionary icons such as Renuka Yellamma and Chakali Ilamma, who are celebrated for their grassroots struggles during the statehood movement. According to Praveen, the new statue represents a deliberate attempt to erase the legacy of Telangana’s freedom struggle and to “dilute the spirit of Telangana’s liberation movement.”
While some appreciate the government’s effort to modernize the representation of Telangana Thalli, others feel that the changes have compromised its authenticity. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments criticizing the new design and questioning its cultural alignment with the identity that Telangana Thalli has come to represent.
“Revanth should stop playing with Telangana’s identity. The Telangana Thalli statue is a symbol of our identity, created through consensus during the Telangana movement. Thousands of these statues were installed during the peak of the statehood movement. Trying to change it now to erase KCR’s legacy is an insult to Telangana’s identity,” one social media user wrote.
In the past, Telangana Thalli statues typically featured Bathukamma in one hand and a maize or jowar cob in the other, embodying the traditional agricultural roots of the state. The crown and other regal elements seen in the statues of other South Indian states, such as Tamil Nadu’s Tamil Thai and Karnataka’s Karnataka Mathe, also contributed to the majestic appearance of the figure.
The ongoing debate highlights the tension between tradition and modernity, with critics arguing that any effort to modernize the statue should not come at the cost of erasing cultural symbols that are deeply ingrained in Telangana’s history. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by its critics.
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