Andhra Pradesh TDP MP Pays Tribute to Freedom Fighters, Honours Alluri Sitarama Raju, Says India’s True Strength Lies in Unity
New Delhi: Soon after taking his oath in the Rajya Sabha while wearing Andhra Pradesh’s GI-tagged Mangalagiri handloom shawl as a mark of respect for nearly 5,000 weaving families, TDP MP Chintakayala Vijay delivered a powerful speech in Parliament that blended history, national pride and a message of collective responsibility.
During the Monsoon Session, the first-time Rajya Sabha member described Vande Mataram as more than a slogan or patriotic song. He called it a living symbol of India’s freedom movement and an enduring reminder of the courage and sacrifices that shaped the country’s destiny.
Addressing the House, Vijay said, “India is the embodiment of our democracy and the voice of its people. It is far more than a geographical territory—it is a living legacy of sacrifice and a timeless civilisation.”
He also revisited the historical journey of Vande Mataram, from its creation by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to its role as a rallying cry during the freedom struggle. Paying homage to revolutionaries such as Khudiram Bose, Veer Savarkar and Chandrashekhar Azad, Vijay said their extraordinary sacrifices remain an integral part of India’s civilisational legacy and continue to inspire generations with the ideals of courage, resilience and patriotism.
Shifting focus to his home state of Andhra Pradesh, Vijay paid heartfelt tribute to Alluri Sitarama Raju, the iconic tribal freedom fighter who led the Rampa Rebellion against British rule. Recalling his execution after being tied to a tree by colonial authorities, Vijay said Alluri remained unwavering in his devotion to the motherland until his final breath. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recently honouring Alluri during his visit to Andhra Pradesh, describing the gesture as a fitting tribute to a hero whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Vijay urged Parliament to confront national challenges through unity rather than division. “A nation does not progress in fragments; it progresses when every citizen moves forward together,” he said, adding that this collective spirit defines the true essence of Bharat and strengthens democracy beyond political differences.
Vijay also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for reinforcing the significance of Vande Mataram in the national conversation. He praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh, saying their leadership has played an important role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage while fostering national pride and social harmony.
At 41, Chintakayala Vijay represents a new generation of political leadership. From wearing the GI-tagged Mangalagiri handloom shawl during his Rajya Sabha oath ceremony to highlight the contribution of weaver families, to connecting India’s freedom movement with contemporary parliamentary discourse, he has sought to ensure that the aspirations of farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, youth and ordinary citizens remain part of the national conversation.
Ending his speech, Vijay said Vande Mataram continues to unite India across regional, linguistic and political boundaries. “India does not advance when only one section moves ahead. India progresses when every citizen walks together in nation-building,” he said.
