Controversy over SP Balu's statue: Telangana activist Prithviraj Yadav denounces Shubhaleka Sudhakar in Ravindra Bharati

A controversy erupted in Hyderabad after a man named Prithviraj staged a protest opposing the installation of legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam’s statue at Ravindra Bharati. His statement that “many Telangana icons deserve the honour more than SPB” triggered widespread criticism across the state.

When questioned, Prithviraj named personalities such as Paidi Jairaj, Chindu Yellamma, Sukka Sattayya, Warangal Shankar, Sarangapani, Gaddar, Andesri, and Anjayya as those he believed should be prioritised.

However, Telangana residents strongly dismissed his remarks.

“SPB is a national icon, admired across India. He is a cultural figure on par with Rabindranath Tagore, after whom Ravindra Bharati is named,” said Rajesh Yadav, a local citizen.

Another Telangana resident, Md. Yakub, stated, “This man is trying to stir emotions under the guise of Telangana sentiment. Even the BRS, which championed the Telangana movement, hasn’t objected. If he truly wants to prove his point, let him demand the government rename Ravindra Bharati to ‘Gaddar Bharati’ or ‘Andesri Bharati’.”

Lakshmi Bai, a GHMC worker, added that several of the personalities Prithviraj mentioned indeed deserve statues but said that “does not mean SPB should be denied his due honour.”

Near Ravindra Bharati, an auto driver noted, “SPB is celebrated in every Indian state and across generations. The impact he created through music surpasses what this man is claiming. He should think before making such statements.”

An employee working at Ravindra Bharati questioned the attempt to revive regional differences: “Why bring back Telangana vs. Andhra issues? We should uphold our shared Telugu identity instead of belittling each other.”

Many social media users also condemned Prithviraj, accusing him of “creating unnecessary regional tensions” and even demanding legal action.

A Ravindra Bharati official said, “Calling SPB a ‘Telangana drohi’ is absurd. Singing the Telangana anthem before the state was officially formed would have caused legal conflicts. Even great Telangana poets like C. Narayana Reddy maintained dignity without provoking division. This man’s reaction is only harming Telangana’s image.”

Public sentiment overwhelmingly favours installing the statue, with many calling Prithviraj’s objections “misguided and attention-seeking.”