Siddipet: Former Telangana minister and BRS leader T Harish Rao unveiled a statue of Chakali Ilamma in Gajwel on Saturday, September 26, marking her birth anniversary.
Speaking at the event, Harish Rao recalled Ilamma’s fight against landlords and said she had not received due recognition when Telangana was part of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Rao credited former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao with deciding to officially celebrate Chakali Ilamma’s birth anniversary during the BRS government. The Telangana government had issued orders in 2021 to officially conduct Ilamma’s birth and death anniversary programmes.
Harish Rao highlights Ilamma’s legacy
Harish Rao said Ilamma’s struggle against feudal forces and her role in the Telangana armed struggle continued to inspire people.
He also recalled the construction of Chakali Ilamma Bhavan in Gajwel during the previous government, describing it as a tribute to her legacy.
Rao urged people to draw inspiration from Ilamma’s fighting spirit and question those whom they believe are acting against their interests.
Rao targets Congress government
During his address, Harish Rao also criticised the Congress government in Telangana, alleging that it had failed to maintain roads in Gajwel and had not made a 100-bed mother-and-child hospital operational despite its construction being completed during the BRS government's tenure.
He also highlighted development works undertaken during the BRS government's tenure in the Siddipet region, including Mallanna Sagar and other reservoirs associated with the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Rao said the reservoirs had helped fill local water bodies and claimed this had enabled people to conduct Bathukamma and Ganesh immersion activities.
These remarks were part of Rao's political criticism of the present government and his account of development under the previous BRS administration.
Chakali Ilamma birth anniversary
Chakali Ilamma's birth anniversary is officially observed by the Telangana government. The state government has also taken steps to commemorate her legacy, including naming the Women's University at Koti after her.
On Saturday, Rao participated in Ilamma's birth anniversary programmes at several locations and unveiled her statues at different places across the Siddipet constituency.
Chakali Ilamma, remembered for her role in the Telangana armed struggle and her opposition to feudal land practices, remains a prominent figure in the state's social and political history.
