In a change of tradition, Telangana will hold the first-ever Independence Day celebrations as a separate state at the historical Golconda Fort.

Despite criticism from political parties and the Army, the state government decided to shift the venue of I-Day celebrations from the Secunderabad Parade Grounds where it was traditionally held.

The Army is objecting to holding the celebrations in the fort since it belongs to the Ministry of Defence. Telangana’s Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma and the state’s Director General of Police Anurag Sharma inspected preparations at the Rani Mahal in the 13th century fort built by the Kakatiya rulers.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, known for his out-of-the-box ideas, is determined to hold all official functions at the fort.