TDP MP from Andhra Pradesh Salutes Freedom Fighters, Remembers Alluri Sitarama Raju, Calls for a United India to Move Forward Together
New Delhi: Just days after making headlines for wearing Andhra Pradesh’s GI-tagged Mangalagiri handloom during his Rajya Sabha oath ceremony in honour of nearly 5,000 weaving families, TDP MP Chintakayala Vijay returned to Parliament with a speech that combined historical reflection, emotion and a strong appeal for national unity.
Speaking in the Monsoon Session, the first-time MP placed Vande Mataram at the centre of his address, saying it represents much more than a patriotic chant. According to him, it embodies the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and the countless sacrifices that shaped the nation.
“India stands as the symbol of our democracy and the voice of our people. It is not simply a nation on the map, but a living civilisation built on sacrifice and enduring values,” he said.
Vijay highlighted the historical significance of Vande Mataram, explaining how Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s composition became a source of inspiration for freedom fighters across generations. He remembered Khudiram Bose, Veer Savarkar and Chandrashekhar Azad, noting that their courage and sacrifices are not merely historical milestones but enduring symbols of patriotism that continue to define India’s identity.
Turning to Andhra Pradesh, Vijay paid tribute to Alluri Sitarama Raju, the celebrated tribal revolutionary who spearheaded the Rampa Rebellion. He recalled how the British tied Alluri to a tree before executing him, yet his commitment to the nation remained unshaken until the very end. Vijay also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for paying homage to the freedom fighter during his recent Andhra Pradesh visit, calling it a meaningful recognition of an enduring legacy of sacrifice.
Drawing inspiration from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Vijay said that national progress is achieved through collective determination rather than division. “This country does not move ahead in pieces; it moves ahead when all its citizens move forward together,” he told the House, describing unity as the foundation of Bharat’s democratic spirit.
He thanked Prime Minister Modi for giving renewed prominence to Vande Mataram in public discourse and commended Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh for strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity while promoting national integration.
At 41, Vijay is among the emerging faces of Indian politics. His decision to wear the Mangalagiri handloom shawl during his oath-taking ceremony and his emphasis on India’s freedom struggle in Parliament reflect his efforts to connect regional heritage with national policymaking. He said public service should represent not only political interests but also the voices of farmers, artisans, young people, entrepreneurs and everyday citizens.
