Hyderabad – Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in front of the Secretariat, highlighting Gandhi’s significant contributions to technology in India. The statue joins those of Indira Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, and the Martyrs Memorial, honoring leaders who have shaped the nation’s history.
In his address, Reddy lauded Rajiv Gandhi for his role in introducing computers and promoting technological advancements. He underscored the importance of recognizing Gandhi’s legacy amidst the statues of other prominent leaders and emphasized the sacrifices made by the Gandhi family, who chose not to hold any positions after Rajiv Gandhi’s death, thus setting an example of selfless service.
Reddy initially stated that the unveiling was not intended as a political event, yet he could not resist addressing the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)’s ongoing criticism. The BRS has been vocal about their opposition to the statue, arguing that it was a politically motivated move. In response, Reddy challenged the BRS to specify a date for relocating the statue and warned that they would face repercussions for their stance.
Addressing the criticisms, Reddy defended the installation of the statue by reflecting on the historical sacrifices made by the Nehru-Gandhi family. He pointed out that Indira Gandhi did not assume any political role during her tenure as Prime Minister, and Rajiv Gandhi stepped into leadership during a critical period, driving a technological revolution that transformed the country.
The Chief Minister’s comments also aimed to counter BRS allegations by affirming the historical significance of Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions and reinforcing the importance of commemorating leaders who have played a pivotal role in India’s development.
