Hyderabad: Telangana Jagruthi founder-president Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday offered a public apology to the martyrs of Telangana and their families, acknowledging what she described as years of neglect during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government led by her father, K Chandrasekhar Rao. Kavitha, who recently resigned from the BRS and her MLC seat following her suspension from the party, made the remarks while paying tribute at Gun Park before embarking on a state-wide tour.

Speaking to the media and a gathering of citizens, Kavitha said the very ideals and dreams for which Telangana’s martyrs had sacrificed their lives remain largely unfulfilled. She recalled that during the previous regime, the government itself had acknowledged in the state assembly that 1,200 individuals were martyred for the Telangana cause. However, she lamented, respect and support for these families had been limited. “Although 1,200 brave souls laid down their lives for Telangana, justice has reached only 580 families so far,” she stated.

Highlighting the promises made by the earlier administration, Kavitha said that families of martyrs were supposed to receive ₹10 lakh in compensation along with a government job. “Only 580 families have received the promised support — the rest have been denied justice,” she added. While Kavitha did not serve as a minister during the decade-long BRS government, she said she had consistently raised the issue within internal party discussions, advocating for financial assistance to be extended to the families of martyrs.

“Still, I feel I could have fought even harder for you. So today, with folded hands, I sincerely apologise to the martyrs and their families,” Kavitha said. She emphasized the significance of the sacrifices, noting that Telangana’s statehood was achieved because of the courage and dedication of these martyrs. “They gave their lives so that the people of Telangana could live with dignity and prosperity,” she said.

Kavitha also announced her demand that the current Congress government immediately sanction ₹1 crore to each martyr’s family. “And if this government fails to act, I promise, before the feet of the martyrs, that I will ensure justice for them — even if it means changing the government itself,” she asserted. Her remarks reflect a determined stance to continue advocating for the rights and recognition of martyrs’ families, highlighting the unfulfilled promises from the previous regime.

To further engage with citizens, Kavitha launched the “Janam Bata” (path of the people) campaign across Telangana, which will cover 33 districts and 119 constituencies. She stated that the campaign’s purpose is to understand the aspirations of the people directly and to ensure that their concerns, particularly those related to justice and welfare for martyrs’ families, are addressed.

The apology and commitment to action mark a notable moment in Telangana politics, given Kavitha’s former affiliation with the BRS and her lineage within the party. Analysts note that her move could resonate with citizens who feel that the sacrifices of martyrs were inadequately recognised during the BRS tenure, and it underscores her intent to carve an independent political path.

Kavitha’s announcement comes at a time when debates over compensation and welfare for Telangana martyrs have resurfaced in the public discourse. By pledging to pursue ₹1 crore for each family and promising to take the issue to its logical conclusion, Kavitha has set a clear benchmark for accountability and follow-up, potentially putting pressure on the present state government to act swiftly.