HYDERABAD: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reiterated that the Union government was committed to eliminating Maoism in the country.
Speaking at the 128th birth anniversary celebrations of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju at Shilpakala Vedika here, he said: “The country will soon be free of this Maoist menace.”
The defence minister called for efforts to boost connectivity and security in remote regions as part of a broader national development strategy.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Jishnu Dev Verma, Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and G Kishan Reddy, and other dignitaries.
Praising Alluri Sitarama Raju as one of the brave sons of the country, Rajnath said: “To avoid falling into the hands of the British, he chose to end his own life with a bullet. What could be more remarkable than such an act of defiance and bravery?”
He hailed Alluri’s courage in mobilising tribal communities and launching guerrilla warfare against the British.
Rajnath said: “He wanted the tribals to be empowered and be part of the national mainstream. He fought for tribal rights, social unity and a stronger India.”
NDA govt upholding Alluri’s ideals: Rajnath
Referring to the legacy of the freedom fighter’s inclusive leadership, Rajnath added: “Our government is upholding his ideals. The country now has its first tribal President in Droupadi Murmu.”
He expressed the hope that Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would lead by example in empowering tribal populations.
The defence minister noted that 10,000 mobile towers were being set up in tribal areas across the country. “Around 8,000 towers have already been made operational. The remaining will be set up by December 1, 2025,” he said.
Kishan lamented that the unfortunate reality is that many Indians are still unaware of Alluri’s contributions. “When I narrated his heroics to some leaders in Delhi, they were astonished,” he said.
“His legacy is not just Andhra’s or Telangana’s. It is something every Telugu person should take pride in,” he added.
He called upon the people to rise above regional divides and unite in honouring a man who brought pride to the Telugu-speaking world. “I sincerely wish that we put aside our differences and salute this hero who made all Telugus proud,” he said.
Shekhawat invoked the words of Lord Krishna in describing Alluri’s bravery. “Krishna said that a true Kshatriya is one who sacrifices his life for his land. That’s what Alluri Sitarama Raju garu did. He was brave, selfless and committed to protecting his motherland,” said Shekhawat.
“Though it has been a century since he left us, it is heartening that we still come together to celebrate his legacy,” the Union minister added.