Marathwada Liberation Day 2021: History, significance and all you need to know

Every year, 17 September is marked as Marathwada Liberation Day in the state of Maharashtra. The day, also known as Marathwada Mukti Sangram Din, observes the anniversary of the region’s accession to the Indian Union after the Nizam of Hyderabad was defeated by Indian troops.Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray offered tribute to the martyrs who helped the region gain independence from the Nizam. The chief minister also participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony as well.HistoryAfter India gained independence on 15 August 1947, the princely states were given the option to join either of the newly created nations - India and Pakistan. Barring a few states like Hyderabad, Junagadh and Kashmir, most princely states merged into the Indian Union.Hyderabad, then under the rule of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadoor, chose to remain independent. To prevent any challenges to the unity of the Indian Union, the government launched “Operation Polo” to incorporate the princely state, which included the areas of Telangana, Marathwada, and four districts of Karnataka.On 13 September 1948, the Indian troops infiltrated from Solapur, rapidly gaining territory. On 17 September, Jan Al Idris, the army chief of the Nizam’s forces surrendered. The Nizam surrendered as well on the same day and Hyderabad was annexed to the Indian Union.SignificanceThe Marathwada Liberation Day is a state holiday in Maharashtra, with rallies and seminars being held every year across the region. Karnataka also observes the day every year. While the state of Telangana does not mark the day as of yet, people have demanded the government observe the day.This year, several notable politicians marked the Marathwada Liberation Day, including Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Amit Shah.Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked the occasion, saying that he bows to the " brave martyrs who fought against the cruelties of Razakars and Nizams".