Hyderabad: Deputy Mayor Mote Srilatha Shoban Reddy on Tuesday said that December 9 marks sixteen years since the historic announcement initiating the Telangana statehood process, a moment that continues to evoke pride and gratitude among the people of the state.
She credited the decision to the firm leadership of then UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the administrative efficiency of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The announcement was made by then Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in 2009, declaring that the central government had decided to begin the process for forming a separate Telangana state in response to the aspirations of its people.
Reddy said the Congress Working Committee, under Sonia Gandhi’s guidance, acted without delay and responded with clarity to the pain and aspirations of the Telangana populace. Gandhi’s deep understanding of regional disparities and democratic responsibility enabled this pivotal political step, she said.
She noted that Dr. Manmohan Singh extended full legal and administrative support to address the sensitive issue, laying the groundwork for necessary actions through the Union Cabinet.
The statement by Chidambaram brought widespread celebration across Telangana at the time. Reddy highlighted that the announcement coincided with Sonia Gandhi’s birthday, making it a symbolic gift to the people of Telangana from the Congress party.
She added that today, under Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy’s leadership, Telangana is progressing in all sectors. She expressed the people’s gratitude to the Congress party, Dr. Singh, and particularly Sonia Gandhi for their role in the formation of the state.