Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Counters Union Minister Kishan Reddy

Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has responded to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy’s remarks on the hoisting of the national flag on September 17. Ponnam said the national flag belongs to all citizens and should not be used for political purposes. He said the Telangana government has been officially conducting flag-hoisting programmes at district collectorates, government offices and schools, with the Chief Minister and ministers also participating in official events. The state is observing September 17 as Telangana Praja Palana Dinotsavam this year.

Ponnam said the historical integration of Hyderabad State with the Indian Union should be respected, but its history should not be presented as belonging exclusively to any one party or ideology. He also called for the history of the integration of other princely states, including Jammu and Kashmir and Junagadh, to be presented to the public. The minister further sought greater focus from the Centre on Telangana’s funds, projects and development support, as well as recognition and assistance for those who participated in the Telangana armed struggle and their families. Meanwhile, the Centre is conducting Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations at Secunderabad Parade Grounds on September 17.