‘Like British Did India-Pak Partition’: Tejashwi Surya Under Fire Over Andhra-Telangana Remark

KTR said Telangana was formed after years of struggle and sacrifices by thousands of people, especially the youth.

Left: BJP MP Tejashwi Surya; Right: BRS President KTR

A political row erupted in Telangana after BJP MP Tejasvi Surya made remarks in Parliament comparing the formation of Telangana with the partition of India and Pakistan. His statement has drawn sharp reactions from leaders across parties, who have called it offensive and insensitive.

The remarks sparked outrage, with several leaders saying that such comparisons hurt the sentiments and identity of the people of Telangana.

What Did Tejasvi Surya Say?

During a discussion in Parliament, Surya said that the way the Congress-led UPA divided undivided Andhra Pradesh into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana was worse than how the British partitioned India and Pakistan.

His comments were quickly criticised by political leaders, who termed the comparison inappropriate and disrespectful to the state’s history.

“The way Congress divided Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. it was done in worse fashion than how the British did the partition of India and Pakistan,” he said.

Leaders Demand Apology

Several leaders, including Telangana BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and BRS working president KT Rama Rao, demanded an apology from Surya. They said his statement was an insult to Telangana’s identity and the long struggle for statehood.

K Kavitha also criticised the remarks, questioning the comparison and calling it unacceptable.

KTR Attacks BJP

KTR strongly criticised the BJP, accusing its leaders of showing “hatred” towards Telangana’s formation. He said the party does not respect the state’s identity and called the comparison with Partition “utterly foolish” and arrogant.

He also expressed disappointment that MPs from Telangana remained silent in Parliament. According to him, people in the state are closely watching how their dignity is being handled at the national level.

KTR further alleged that BJP leaders, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tejasvi Surya, have repeatedly shown anti-Telangana views.

“The BJP spits venom against the formation of Telangana yet again! Likening the Telangana demerger to the India-Pakistan Partition is foolish and deserves strong condemnation. Telangana was formed due to the protracted struggle and sacrifices of its people,” wrote KTR on X.

“BJP leaders seem to have developed a habit of insulting the sacrifices and self-respect of the people of Telangana. It is utterly shameful that 8 Telangana BJP MPs sitting in the same house could neither stop nor correct their fellow MP’s unacceptable remarks. I condemn these remarks and demand an unconditional apology from,” he added.

‘Not a Charity, But a Struggle’

KTR said Telangana was formed after years of struggle and sacrifices by thousands of people, especially the youth. He stressed that it was not granted as a favour, but achieved through sustained efforts.

He added that comparing such a democratic movement with a tragic event like Partition reflects a “regressive mindset.” He warned that no one has the right to hurt the sentiments of the people of Telangana.

KTR also criticised BJP and Congress MPs from Telangana for not speaking up against the remarks. He called their silence “shameful” and questioned how they would answer the public.

He demanded that Tejasvi Surya withdraw his statement and issue an unconditional apology. He also urged the BJP to clarify its stand, warning that silence could be seen as support for the remarks.

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