Last week, the Revanth Reddy government said the previous state emblem reflected historical dynasties and it was being changed to reflect the struggles for statehood, thereby replacing the iconic Charminar and Kakatiya Kala Thoranam (Kakatiya art arch) with the Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial.

“The BRS should explain to the people of Telangana why it does not want the martyrs’ memorial on the emblem. Does it not remember the voices rendered to the state anthem?” asked Congress MLC B Mahesh Goud.

The Telangana government also roped in artists Rudra Rajesham and Venkata Ramana Reddy to implement the changes with Reddy finalizing them last week.

What are the BRS’s concerns?

The BRS, which lost power for the first time in last year’s Assembly polls, has accused the Reddy government of trying to erase his predecessor K Chandrashekar Rao’s contribution and legacy from the state. “Revanth Reddy did not take part in the Telangana movement. He wants to change the emblem just because it was chosen by BRS president and then CM KCR (as Chandrashekar Rao is popularly known),” said former Telangana minister KT Rama Rao.

He also said Charminar and Hyderabad were inseparable and alleged that Reddy was taking such decisions in haste because of political vendetta. “If the government does not retract its decision, we will resort to widespread protests,” Rama Rao said. Meanwhile, in an open letter, KCR said the Congress had insulted history and Telangana’s people by attempting to modify the emblem.

Why has BRS boycotted Telangana Day celebrations?

The guest list for the Telangana Day formation too stirred a row. Reddy, who is seen as close to the Gandhis, invited Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and KCR for the event, leading to backlash from both the BRS and the BJP. The parties accused the CM of inviting “outsiders” to the event and insulting the people of Telangana.

In a letter, KCR held the Congress responsible for the death of farmers in the state by delaying statehood. “For the last six months, Telangana has been disrupted by Congress’ rule. Farmers are suffering due to this inefficient rule. The Congress has not implemented the promises it made during the Assembly elections. The police are filing cases if any BRS leader questions the government’s policies,” he wrote. KCR also expressed his displeasure for not being invited to the all-party meeting held to discuss the Telangana Day celebrations.

What is the controversy surrounding the anthem?

The state government roped in famous poet Ande Sri and Oscar-winning music director MM Keeravani to compose the state anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana”, leading to outrage from a section of the people. A BRS leader from Hyderabad, who did not wish to be named, said Keeravani has his roots in Andhra Pradesh. “There are many people in the state who could do a better job than him,” he claimed.

Another leader pointed out that Reddy’s “Andhra party (TDP) roots” have come to the fore with this move. “Everyone knows he has risen from the ABVP (BJP’s students’ wing) and TDP. It is just showing now. He has no respect for the people of Telangana and the state,” the leader said.

What are the political ramifications?

Following the Assembly poll drubbing, the BRS is struggling to stay relevant in the state. By taking a stand on these issues, the party is looking to arrest its slide and the rise of the BJP, which seems to be occupying its space. The Congress, on the other hand, is looking to consolidate its position in the state.