The proposal of the Telangana government to install a statue of legendary playback singer S P Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) at Ravindra Bharati in Hyderabad has triggered widespread debate on social media – for and against, across Telangana.
For the last two days, there have been arguments, counter-arguments and political comments, whipping up regional passions and generating a talk as to whether the installation of SPB statue in Hyderabad is justified or not.
The so-called Telangana activists are questioning how appropriate it is to install the statue of a non-Telangana artiste on a government cultural stage such as Ravindra Bharathi; and if cultural icons deserve recognition, should Telangana’s own mass folk artists such as Gaddar and Andeshri not be given priority.
They are also questioning the propriety of installation of statues of Andhra personalities even now when there is nostalgia and resentment over historical regional imbalance.
On the other hand, there is a counter argument by others who say that SPB was a universal Telugu icon and rejecting his statue would itself amount to a cultural affront.
Several netizens questioned the logic of opposing SPB’s statue when Ravindra Bharathi itself is named after Rabindranath Tagore, a non-Telugu figure.
Others argued that if not at Ravindra Bharathi, SPB’s statue should be placed on Tank Bund. Some insisted that SPB belonged to the entire Telugu linguistic community, not to a region.
While some Telangana activists are alleging that SPB had declined to sing the “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” anthem, his supporters argue his refusal may have been a personal choice to avoid getting embroiled in political or regional tensions.
For that matter, Telangana lyricists such as Chandrabose and Suddala Ashok Teja have themselves faced criticism over the years for allegedly diluting Telangana-centric identity in certain works.
According to observers, much of the anger on social media is not directed at SPB himself, but the negligence of the successive governments over the marginalisation of Telangana’s history and culture, and the symbolic dominance of Andhra personalities in public spaces.
In fact, both the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments turned a blind eye towards SPB, even when he was alive. It was Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai, had embraced and celebrated SPB throughout his career.
Interestingly, political parties have not responded to the controversy over SPB statue.
The Congress leaders have avoided taking a clear stand, BRS — which once championed Telangana identity — has maintained notable silence, and BJP has not articulated a position.
While many agree that SPB deserves honour as an unmatched Telugu vocalist, questions persist over the government’s timing, intent and communication.
Critics ask why the government has neither justified nor withdrawn the decision, and why there is no clarification on whether the statue will indeed be installed at Ravindra Bharathi.
