Hyderabad: In his first ever political meeting in Telangana state after becoming Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the BJP cadres to take out a Tiranga Yatra from August 15 to September 17.

In a tone that might cause embarrassment to the TRS government in the state, Modi went on to explain the significance of September 17. “It’s not because my birthday. The date has a great importance in the lives of Telanganites since on that day, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel liberated the state from ruler of the day and attached it to India,” he said.

Modi told the partymen to take out the rally on two-wheelers and cover every nook and corner of the state. He was addressing a party meeting at LB Stadium in the city after inaugurating Mission Bhagiratha.

In a pure political tone and tenor, Modi ignited motivation among the party cadres by giving a hope that BJP will become a major political force in Telangana before next general elections.

It may be recalled that Telangana CM KCR is not a supporter of September 17 Liberation Day concept. As the state was liberated from the Nizam, KCR is of the view that Muslims in the state would get offended if the occasion is celebrated officially.

The BJP Telangana president Dr. K. Lakshman, speaking at the meeting before the PM, also reiterated that Telangana Liberation Day will be celebrated in a big way.