The new Congress government in Telangana has found an alternative to the abbreviation “TS” in “TG” ostensibly with the intent to undo the decisions taken by K Chandrasekhar Rao as the first chief minister of the state.

What’s more, the new ruling dispensation in the state has announced the adoption of a new state anthem reflecting Telangana pride, identity and its long struggle for statehood.

In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, the state cabinet decided to go for “TG” as the abbreviation for Telangana instead of “TS” which was chosen by KCR. This will be also reflected in the vehicle registration plates.

In 2014, the chief minister had requested the media to write ‘TS’ as the abbreviation for Telangana State instead of ‘T’ as it was disrespectful and later, this was adopted officially as well. However, Revanth Reddy, while in the Opposition had alleged that KCR chose “TS” because he wanted to align it with his party’s name – TRS.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, both the BRS and the Telangana Congress were reclaiming Telangana identity with the former proclaiming itself as the only party to uphold the rights of the state while the latter projected Rao, popularly known as KCR, as one who had usurped the Telangana Movement for political gains after the formation of the new state. Congress always maintained that its government at the Centre and Sonia Gandhi should get the credit for the formation of the state.

The Cabinet also decided to officially adopt the popular song “Jaya jaya ho Telangana” by Ande Sri as the new state anthem. Though the song had touched the hearts of the people of the state and replaced “Maa Telugu Talliki”, the anthem of the unified state the KCR government never adopted it formally as the state song. In fact, in 2021, Rao had said in the state Assembly that the immensely popular song was not the official anthem which was yet to be written.

The state emblem, also chosen by KCR depicting the Kakatiya-style gate with the Charminar inside, will also be replaced after discussion with stakeholders. The statue of Telangana Talli (mother goddess) will also be conceptualised, said the ministers during a briefing after the Cabinet meeting.

“The Cabinet has decided to cleanse the symbols that reflect the arrogance of the previous regime,” said Industry Minister Sridhar Babu.

“KCR had slowly diluted the spirit of Telangana by choosing an abbreviation and symbols that had no bearing on the state or its struggle. Where did the ‘S’ come from in Telangana? TG is easily identified with the state,” said Congress spokesperson Sama Ram Mohan Reddy.

“Both the Congress and the BRS are fighting to hold on to Telangana’s identity. The TRS lost it when it was renamed BRS while Congress being a national party never had it,” said political analyst M Sridhar.