Hyderabad: A federation has urged the Telangana government to formally declare former minister Konda Lakshman Bapuji as the “father of the state,” citing his lifelong contribution to the Telangana movement.
Speaking at a press conference held at Somajiguda Press Club, Federation president Rapolu Gnaneshwar, accompanied by general secretary Jagadish and National BC Welfare Association vice-president Gujja Satyam, highlighted Bapuji’s pivotal role in the region’s struggle for statehood.
“Bapuji’s journey in the Telangana movement began with the landmark Jaladrushyam protest,” Gnaneshwar said. He noted that Bapuji served the people as an MLA five times, deputy speaker, and minister, becoming a role model for Telangana society.
Gnaneshwar recalled that even at the age of 90, Konda Lakshman Bapuji staged protests in the national capital demanding a separate state. “Such dedication deserves the highest honour,” he insisted.
He argued that Konda Lakshman Bapuji’s legacy should be formally recognised by designating him as the father of the state. “It would be a fitting tribute to his sacrifices,” he said.
To mark Konda Lakshman Bapuji’s contributions, the Federation announced special events to be held on June 2 the day Telangana was formed including a state-level programme at Jaladrushyam.
The press meet was attended by Professor Tadaka Yadagiri, Raghu Ram, Chandramohan, Vemula Ramu, Raju, Chander, Nimmala Veeranna, Jagadish Satyanarayana, and others.