Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to be chief guest for Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations on September 17

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at the Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations, organised by the Central government and scheduled to be held at Parade Grounds on September 17, said Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy here on Sunday.

Speaking at a gathering after listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat at Borabanda, the BJP leader said the day holds added significance as it coincides with the Prime Minister’s birthday and the national Vishwakarma Day.

Mr. Kishan Reddy noted that the Prime Minister, during his address, highlighted the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in initiating the ‘Police Action’ that led to Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union in September 1948 — 13 months after India gained independence on August 15, 1947.

He also criticised Congress leaders for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Mr. Modi and his family during the Bihar Assembly election campaign. “It is shameful that Congress leaders, who lack moral standing, are targeting the Prime Minister. Mr. Modi comes from a humble background, has no personal business interests and doesn’t even own a house. His brother runs a ration shop to earn a living,” Mr. Reddy said.

The BJP leader further accused the Congress-led Telangana government, headed by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of ‘looting’ Telangana. He alleged that a 30% commission is being demanded for layout and plotting permissions.

“Not a single rupee has been credited to the accounts of women who were promised ₹2,500 monthly allowance. Other promises, including ₹4,000 monthly stipend for unemployed youth and increased pensions, enhancing budgetary allocations for the Backward Classes have proven to be false,” he claimed.

Mr. Kishan Reddy, who is also the MP from Secunderabad, urged the public to hold the Opposition alliance accountable for their ‘vituperative’ remarks against the Prime Minister and his family.