Hyd Liberation Day:Myth/Reality? - A Panel Discussion

Though September 17 passes without much noise every year, the date has immense significance for Hyderabad. Not only does it mark the annexation of the erstwhile state of Hyderabad (which comprised parts of present day Maharashtra and Karnataka) in 1948 with Operation Polo (military action by the Indian government), it also tells us the story of the political unrest that existed between 1947-48 due to the deliberations of Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, with regards to joining the Indian union and also the antecedents of the Razakaars, a militia headed by Kasim Razvi.

This year will mark 69 years of Operation Polo. Given its immense historical significance for Hyderabad and even India, there needs to be a discussion the action by the Indian government, the decisions taken by Osman Ali Khan and Kasim Razvi. The need for it today is even greater with the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding to celebrate September 17 as ‘liberation day’ (from the “tyrannical” Nizam rule, as it claims), which perhaps could not be further away from the truth. The fact remains that the Telangana armed struggle, started by the Communists against the Jaagirdars (land owners), was also a major uprising that the Nizam had to deal with, and was part of the entire episode. So what exactly happened on September 17 and the three days prior to which Operation Polo had been initiated? Is ‘liberation day’ a valid point to be raised? Or is it just another political ploy for gains?

Panelits: Prof Mohan Guruswamy B. Narsing Rao, Communist Leader Mrs. Awdesh Rani Bawa, Communist Leader