Telangana History: Honouring a pioneer: Late Dr. Mallikarjun’s statue unveiled in Hyderabad | India News

Honourable Governor of Haryana Shri Bandaru Dattatreya unveiled a statue of former union minister Late Dr. Mallikarjun on the occasion of his 82nd Birth Anniversary on 5th August at Gachibowli, Hyderabad. Amongst those who graced the occasion were Dr. K. Keshava Rao (Rajya Sabha MP) Smt D.K. Aruna (Former Minister, National Vice President, BJP) Shri G. Vivek Venkataswamy (Ex-MP), Shri Gurunath Reddy (Ex- MLA), Shri Bhikshapati Yadav (Ex-MLA), Shri Obaidulla Kotwal, (Ex-DCC President, Mahabubnagar), Shri Bhagawanth Rao (Ex-DCC President, Mahabubnagar). The event was organised and hosted by spouse and son of Late Dr. Mallikarjun, Mrs. Bhagyalakshmi Mallikarjun and Mr. Manu Mallikarjun.
After unveiling the statue, Guest of Honour Shri Bandaru Dattatreya said Dr. Mallikarjun who played a crucial role in the Telangana moment, led the students for the Telangana agitation from Osmania University in 1969 and was a lifelong supporter of the cause. The Telangana government should honour leaders such as himself by rewriting Telangana history to include mention of their names and contributions to the cause. In 1980 he quit the Medak Lok Sabha seat as MP for Smt Indira Gandhi to contest from and her victory was instrumental in her becoming Prime Minister again. He was an intellectual and served the country under Prime Minister Shri P. V. Narsimha Rao as Defence minister, Railway minister, Parliamentary affairs minister and throughout his career made significant contributions towards the development of the nation. To me he was a guide and a good friend, who arose from the weaker sections of society to the stature he attained which is an inspiration to us all. Moreover he was a statesman and an honest leader, unveiling his statue is an honour for me. I request the Telangana Government to install Late Dr. Mallikarjun’s statue at a prominent location in Hyderabad.
Mr. Manu Mallikarjun said, Myfather Dr. Mallikarjun was a principled man before being a great leader. As part of the youth of the country, on behalf of the people I urge all that we must always support principled leaders.

Shri G. Vivek Venkataswamy ex- MP said, Dr. Mallikarjun, Shri Marri Chenna Reddy, my father Shri G. Venkat Swamy and Shri Madan Mohan, had been at the forefront of the Telangana movement. Dr. Mallikarjun also gained enormous respect for his dedicated service to the nation through his taking up various roles and responsibilities as a member of parliament and central minister. The state government should recognise his services and accord him due recognition for all that he did for Telangana and the country.
Mrs. Bhagyalakshmi Mallikarjun, spouse of Late Dr. Mallikarjun, said Dr. Mallikarjun had dedicated his life for Telangana statehood and the development of both the state and the country. The unveiling of his statue is a small tribute in his memory from our family.

Dr Mallikarjun was a six-time Member of Parliament who represented Medak twice and Mahabubnagar 4 times. He had held various central ministries ranging from Defence, Railways, Parliamentary Affairs to I&B and Sports in the cabinets of Prime Ministers Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao and Smt Indira Gandhi. Between the years 1996 and 1998 he was also President of APCC.
Dr. Mallikarjun had entered the world of politics as the leader of Osmania University students during the agitation in 1969 for statehood to Telangana and had served the nation during his decades-long career. He founded and led the Congress Forum for Telangana, a body within the Indian National Congress, to pursue the cause of statehood to Telangana, for which he worked dedicatedly until his untimely demise on 24th December 2002.
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