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Senior actress-turned-politician Vijaya Shanti has once again found herself in the spotlight, this time for her outspoken remarks in the Telangana Legislative Council that stirred a political debate within her own party, the Indian National Congress.

For a long time, Vijaya Shanti has remained relatively inactive in public political discourse, with little visibility regarding her role in the party or her contributions as an MLC. However, she recently made headlines by questioning her own party’s government over the delay in fulfilling promises made to Telangana movement activists and martyrs.

During her speech, she raised concerns about the lack of progress in implementing key assurances given during the formation of Telangana. Highlighting that it has been over two years since Congress came to power in the state, she asked when the long-pending commitments would finally be addressed.

Vijaya Shanti emphasized that activists and families of martyrs, who played a crucial role in the Telangana statehood movement, are still awaiting proper recognition and support. She pointed out promises such as ₹25,000 monthly pensions for martyr families, rehabilitation measures, and identity cards for movement participants, questioning why these initiatives remain unfulfilled.

She also criticized the government’s reliance on committee-based processes, suggesting that it was leading to unnecessary delays instead of concrete action. According to her, meaningful steps must be taken to ensure justice and welfare for those who sacrificed for the state’s formation.

However, her remarks have also reopened a complex and sensitive issue — defining who qualifies as a Telangana movement activist or martyr. Political analysts note that the movement, particularly during phases like the Sakala Janula Samme, saw widespread participation from various sections of society, making it difficult to create a universally accepted list.

While the government is reportedly examining the matter through committees, Vijaya Shanti questioned whether this approach is genuinely aimed at resolution or merely prolonging the process.

Her statements have sparked fresh political debate, with critics accusing her of raising the issue belatedly and questioning the consistency of her stance, especially as a member of the ruling party.