Political integration unites territories, constitutional democracy unites citizens: Vice-President
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Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan takes part in the 79th Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations at Parade Ground in Secunderabad on September 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: Ramakrishna G.
National integration must go beyond the geographical unification of territories and translate into equal rights, dignity and opportunities for citizens, said Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
Addressing the Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations organised by the Union Ministry of Culture at Secunderabad Parade Ground in Hyderabad on Thursday (September 17, 2026), Mr. Radhakrishnan, who was the chief guest, said September 17, 1948, marked the culmination of a decisive chapter in the history of independent India with the integration of the erstwhile Hyderabad State into the Indian Union following Operation Polo.
“Political integration can bring territories together; constitutional democracy brings citizens together,” he said, stressing that national unity could not be sustained by geography alone and had to be reinforced through equal rights, equal dignity and equal opportunity.
Recalling the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the integration of the princely States, the Vice-President said the first Home Minister had shouldered an extraordinary responsibility when the country was recovering from Partition and simultaneously consolidating hundreds of princely States into one Union.
Drawing a parallel between different phases of nation-building, Mr. Radhakrishnan said Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose had played pivotal roles in the freedom struggle, while Sardar Patel had been instrumental in integrating the princely States with independent India. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was now playing a pivotal role in the making of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Paying tribute to those who participated in the Hyderabad struggle, Mr. Radhakrishnan recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters, including Ramji Gond, Turrebaz Khan and Komaram Bheem.
He also acknowledged the role of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the integration of the princely States. He referred to their contribution to combating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in the country.
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla recalled the sacrifices of farmers, youth and women during the Hyderabad liberation struggle and said Liberation Day was not merely an occasion to commemorate a historic event, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to unity, integrity and democratic values.
He called upon people to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the liberation heroes and contribute to building a strong, prosperous and developed Telangana.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat paid tribute to those who fought for Hyderabad’s liberation and recalled the sacrifices made during the struggle against the Razakars. He described Operation Polo as a victory over injustice.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy used the occasion to criticise Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over his recent remarks on the Nizam and accused the State government of attempting to dilute the history of the Telangana liberation struggle.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar alleged that attempts were being made to obscure Telangana’s history. Mr. Bandi Sanjay also criticised Chief Minister’s remarks on the Nizam.
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