<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>The late 20th century, particularly from 1971 to 1990, marked a period of escalating popular unrest in Telangana, fueled by a growing sense of regional disparities, discrimination, and underdevelopment. This unrest stemmed from a perceived neglect of the region by the State Government, dominated by leaders from the Andhra region, and a growing awareness among the people of Telangana about their marginalized status.
The seeds of discontent were sown in the aftermath of the 1969 Telangana agitation, which had raised hopes for equitable development and regional autonomy. However, the perceived failure of the government to fulfill its promises led to a resurgence of grievances and demands for a separate state.
Several factors contributed to the Growth of popular unrest:
Economic Disparities: The Telangana region lagged behind the Andhra region in terms of Economic Development. The allocation of funds, industrialization, and employment opportunities were skewed towards Andhra, leading to widespread poverty and Unemployment in Telangana.
Political Marginalization: The political power in the state was concentrated in the hands of leaders from the Andhra region. The Telangana people felt underrepresented and marginalized in the decision-making process, leading to a feeling of powerlessness and neglect.
Educational Imbalance: The educational Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE in Telangana was inadequate, with a lack of quality institutions and opportunities for higher Education. This further limited the employment prospects of the Telangana youth.
Water and Irrigation Issues: The Telangana region faced acute water scarcity and irrigation problems, which severely affected agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The state government's policies were perceived as favoring the Andhra region in water allocation and irrigation projects.
Discrimination in Employment: The Telangana people faced discrimination in government jobs and other employment opportunities. The dominance of non-locals in key positions further fueled resentment and anger.
The popular unrest manifested in various forms, including:
Student Activism: Student organizations played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses and articulating the grievances of the Telangana people. They organized rallies, protests, and demonstrations, demanding Justice and equitable development for the region.
Political Mobilization: Several Political Parties and organizations, both regional and national, capitalized on the growing discontent and mobilized support for the Telangana cause. They raised the issue in various forums, including the State Legislature and Parliament.
Intellectual Discourse: Intellectuals, writers, and artists played a significant role in raising awareness about the issues facing Telangana and articulating the demand for a separate state. Their writings, speeches, and cultural expressions helped to shape the narrative of the Telangana movement.
Mass Movements: The popular unrest also took the form of mass movements, with thousands of people participating in rallies, dharnas, and other forms of protest. These movements often involved diverse sections of Society, including farmers, students, workers, and intellectuals.
The growth of popular unrest had a profound impact on the socio-political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. It put immense pressure on the government to address the grievances of the Telangana people and find a lasting solution to the issue. The movement also led to increased political awareness and mobilization among the people of Telangana, laying the groundwork for the eventual formation of a separate state in 2014.