The CPI(M) Telangana state committee gave a call to all its members to undertake the following pledge on the occasion of formation of Telangana state on 2 June. Thousands of Party members across the ten districts of the state undertook this pledge in meetings organised by the Party. In Hyderabad, the meeting was addressed by CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B V Raghavulu, CPI(M) Telangana state secretary Thammineni Veerabhadram and others. Below is the full text of the pledge: “The new Telangana state comes into existence as the 29th state of India today (June 2). We pledge on this occasion to strive relentlessly for the comprehensive development of the state, for people’s welfare and for achieving social justice. We fervently wish that the new state will be at the forefront of development. “We have a proud history of standing up against and fighting the tyranny of Nizam nawab, the exploitation of feudal lords and the social oppressors. Thousands of martyrs laid down their lives on this soil fighting for people’s welfare and in the cause of establishing a classless society. As true heirs of these martyrs, we rededicate ourselves to their patriotic aims and pledge to fight till our last breath for the liberation of people. “We will support every move to fulfill the aspirations of people and improve their living standards in the new state. We will support all forces who will work towards that end. At the same time we will oppose every move that will be harmful to people’s interests and damage the state’s development. We will rally the people and launch struggles. We declare that we will be at the forefront in serving the people and making them conscious of their rights.”