India Reaffirms Its Sovereignty: Rajnath Singh’s Message on Telangana Liberation Day

MGMMTeam
Sep 18
3 min read

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked the 77th Telangana Liberation Day in Secunderabad with a powerful declaration that India has never, and will never, accept diktats from any foreign power. The commemoration, held at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds, honoured the legacy of Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union in 1948 through Operation Polo. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag, a guard of honour, and floral tributes at the Military Martyrs’ Monument and the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a defining role in ending the Nizam’s rule.

India’s Uncompromising Stance on Sovereignty

In his address, Singh firmly rejected speculation that external mediation had influenced India’s recent military operations, including Operation Sindoor. He stressed that decisions concerning national security are solely India’s to make. According to him, the temporary pause in the operation was a strategic choice by the Indian government, not a result of international pressure. Should terrorist activities persist, Singh made it clear that India would resume action without hesitation.

Lessons from History: Patel to Modi

The Defence Minister drew historical parallels between Sardar Patel’s decisive role in integrating Hyderabad and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to strengthen India’s global standing today. He noted that Patel laid the foundations of a united India through political foresight and courage, while Modiji is shaping an economically resilient India that has already emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, steadily moving toward the third position. This continuity of vision, Singh argued, reflects India’s commitment to both unity and growth.

Remembering the Atrocities of the Razakars

Singh also recalled the violence unleashed by the Razakars, the paramilitary force loyal to the Nizam, who carried out lootings, killings, forced conversions, and assaults on women. He warned that the spirit of the Razakars is still alive in modern forces attempting to disturb communal harmony. Just as Patel decisively dealt with the militia through Operation Polo, Singh affirmed that India today is equally determined to protect its citizens from terror and divisive ideologies.

Politics of Memory and Liberation Day

The Defence Minister, along with other Union leaders present, criticised successive state governments for failing to officially recognise Telangana Liberation Day due to vote bank politics. They accused regional parties of downplaying or renaming the day to avoid offending certain communities, thereby distorting historical memory. For Singh, the annual celebration is not only a tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters but also a reaffirmation of India’s collective resolve against communalism and separatism.

India’s Military Resolve in the Present

Beyond historical reflection, Singh underlined India’s current military capabilities. He pointed to successful counter-terrorism operations, including surgical strikes, the Balakot air strikes, and most recently Operation Sindoor, which eliminated several top Jaish-e-Mohammad operatives. These actions, he argued, demonstrate that while India values dialogue, it does not shy away from hard power when diplomacy fails to protect national interests.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s address on the 77th Telangana Liberation Day in Secunderabad powerfully reminded the nation that India’s sovereignty has never bowed to external pressures and never will. By recalling Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s decisive role in Hyderabad’s integration through Operation Polo, Singh drew a direct link between the historic struggle against the Nizam’s Razakars and today’s battles against terrorism and divisive forces. His emphasis on remembering the atrocities of the Razakars highlighted the importance of vigilance against those who attempt to disturb harmony even in the present day. For Singh, the celebration was not just about honouring history but about reaffirming India’s uncompromising stance on unity and security.

In drawing parallels between Patel’s vision and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Singh presented a continuity of courage, foresight, and resilience that defines India’s journey. Just as Patel laid the foundation for a united India, Modiji is positioning the nation as a rising economic and strategic power, unafraid to act decisively against terror through measures like surgical strikes, Balakot, and Operation Sindoor. The message was clear: India writes its own destiny, guided by the sacrifices of the past and strengthened by the resolve of the present, where national interest and sovereignty remain paramount.