<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>The Telangana movement, a decades-long struggle for statehood, saw a significant intensification in the late 2000s and early 2010s. A confluence of factors, including political mobilization, socio-economic grievances, and cultural assertions, fueled the movement's escalation, leading to a series of unprecedented protests and events that ultimately culminated in the formation of Telangana state in 2014.
Intensification of the Movement
The Telangana movement gained significant momentum in 2009 with the formation of the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee (TJAC), a coalition of Political Parties and civil Society organizations. The TJAC spearheaded a series of agitations and protests, mobilizing massive public support and exerting pressure on the government.
The movement's intensification was also driven by the perceived neglect of the Telangana region in terms of development, employment opportunities, and political representation. The region's rich cultural heritage and distinct identity, which had been marginalized in the united Andhra Pradesh, also played a crucial role in fueling the demand for a separate state.
Forms of Protest
The Telangana movement employed a diverse range of protest tactics, both conventional and unconventional, to articulate its demands and to pressure the government. Some of the key forms of protest included:
Mass Rallies and Demonstrations: The TJAC organized numerous rallies and demonstrations across Telangana, drawing massive crowds and generating widespread media attention. These events served as platforms to articulate the movement's demands and to mobilize public support.
Strikes and Bandhs: The movement also resorted to strikes and bandhs, disrupting normal life and economic activity in the region. These tactics were aimed at pressuring the government to concede to the demand for a separate state.
Hunger Strikes and Self-Immolations: In some instances, activists resorted to extreme measures like hunger strikes and self-immolations to draw attention to the movement's cause. These acts of desperation highlighted the intensity of the demand for statehood.
Non-Cooperation Movement: The movement also launched a non-cooperation movement, urging people to boycott government Services and to refuse to pay taxes. This tactic aimed to create administrative paralysis and to force the government to negotiate.
Cultural Protests: The movement also leveraged cultural symbols and traditions to express its demands. For instance, the Bathukamma festival, a traditional floral festival of Telangana, was transformed into a platform for political mobilization, with Women singing songs that reflected the aspirations of the movement.
Major Events
The Telangana movement witnessed several pivotal events that shaped its trajectory and contributed to its eventual success:
Formation of TJAC (2009): The formation of the TJAC provided the movement with a unified platform and a cohesive Leadership. This enabled the movement to coordinate its efforts more effectively and to intensify its agitation.
Sakala Janula Samme (2011): The general strike called by the TJAC in 2011 was a watershed moment in the movement. The strike, which lasted for 42 days, paralyzed the region and brought the issue of Telangana to the national forefront.
Million March (2012): The Million March organized by the TJAC in Hyderabad was one of the largest rallies in the history of the movement. It demonstrated the massive public support for statehood and put immense pressure on the government.
Chalo Assembly (2013): The Chalo Assembly march, which aimed to gherao the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, was met with police repression. This incident further fueled the agitation and hardened the resolve of the movement's leaders.
Formation of Telangana State (2014): The culmination of the Telangana movement came in 2014, when the Indian Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, paving the way for the creation of Telangana as the 29th state of India.
The Aftermath
The formation of Telangana state in 2014 marked the end of a long and arduous struggle. The new state, born out of the ashes of a protracted movement, embarked on a path of development and progress, seeking to fulfill the aspirations of its people.
The Telangana movement's legacy, however, extends beyond the creation of a new state. It serves as a testament to the power of people's movements and the indomitable spirit of those who fight for their rights and aspirations.