Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 17 : Underscoring that September 17 marked the historic triumph of democratic governance over autocratic feudal rule, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday paid rich homage to the martyrs of the regional freedom struggle and recalled the decisive enforcement of 'Operation Polo' that paved the way for Hyderabad's integration into the Indian Union.
Addressing the state-level celebrations of 'Praja Palana Dinotsavam' (People's Governance Day) at the Public Gardens in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said that while the country gained independence on August 15, 1947, the people of Telangana had to wage a relentless battle against the oppression of the Nizam's regime and the atrocities of the Razakars to attain their freedom and democratic rights.
"Following Operation Polo, the seventh Nizam surrendered to the Government of India. On September 17, 1948, Hyderabad State officially became an integral part of India. It marked not only the end of the Nizam's rule but also paved the way for democratic governance. That is why we celebrate September 17 as 'Praja Palana Dinotsavam ', Reddy said.
Honouring freedom fighters such as Ravi Narayana Reddy, Bhim Reddy Narasimha Reddy, Chakali Ilamma, Arutla Kamaladevi, and Mallu Swarajyam, the Chief Minister stressed that his government is delivering administration centred on self-respect, civil liberties, and equitable social justice.
Underlining the state's economic progress, Reddy announced that Telangana’s per capita income has surged to Rs 4,18,931—nearly 91 per cent higher than the national average.
Unveiling the state's urban and industrial plans, the Chief Minister said Telangana is building 'Bharat Future City,' the country’s first net-zero smart city spanning nearly 30,000 acres, with its master plan set to be unveiled at the 'Invest Telangana Global Summit-2026' in December.
"TCS has come forward to build the country’s largest AI data centre in Future City with an investment of Rs 70,000 crore, while Amazon has already commenced construction of a data centre with an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore," Reddy stated, adding that the city will feature dedicated hubs for Life Sciences, AI, EVs, Health, and Education.
The Chief Minister highlighted social justice as the bedrock of his administration, noting that following a comprehensive socio-economic and caste survey, the State Legislative Assembly passed historic bills granting 42 per cent reservations for Backwards Classes (BCs) in education, employment, and local bodies, which have been forwarded for Presidential assent.
He added that Telangana also pioneered the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) following the Supreme Court's verdict, designating February 4 as "Telangana Social Justice Day."
Enumerating the administration's farmer-centric measures, the Chief Minister noted that the government has waived farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh by releasing Rs 20,616 crore to benefit 25.35 lakh families, alongside disbursing over Rs 36,000 crore under the 'Rythu Bharosa' scheme and introducing a Rs 500 per quintal bonus for fine-variety paddy. In total, approximately Rs 1.72 lakh crore has been spent on agriculture and allied sectors over 32 months.
To empower women, the government is pursuing a mission to make 10 million women 'crorepatis'. The Chief Minister highlighted that the 'Mahalakshmi' free bus travel scheme has yielded cumulative savings of Rs 12,385 crore for female commuters. Additionally, Rs 500 LPG domestic cylinders have been delivered to 43 lakh households, and 200 units of free power are being supplied to 53 lakh families under 'Gruha Jyothi'.
Highlighting human development, Reddy noted the sanctioning of 'Young India Integrated Residential Schools' across 20-25 acres in each Assembly constituency, alongside state efforts that have attracted offshore campus interest from Northeastern University (USA) and the University of London.
In healthcare, the Rajiv Aarogyasri coverage was doubled to Rs 10 lakh, construction of the Rs 2,700-crore new Osmania Hospital complex at Goshamahal has commenced, and super-speciality TIMS facilities are expanding rapidly across the capital.
Addressing youth and employment, Reddy noted that over 72,000 government recruitments have been executed transparently, supported by the establishment of the Young India Skills University and the upgrade of ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs).
On major connectivity and urban renewal projects, the Chief Minister noted that proposals for the 122.9-km Hyderabad Metro Phase-II worth Rs 38,595 crore have been submitted, site approvals secured for airports in Adilabad and Mamnoor and work initiated to revive a 55-kilometre stretch of the Musi River under the Musi Rejuvenation Project.
"We will not forget history, nor will we stop at history alone. Let us build a modern Telangana with the spirit of the past struggles and shape it into a state the world looks upon with pride," the Chief Minister concluded.