The Jai Telangana Movement of 1969 was marked by a series of significant events and developments that highlighted the aspirations of the people of Telangana for a separate state. Here's an overview of the movement's course and major events:

Course of the Movement

  1. Initial Discontent (1956-1969)

    • The merger of Telangana with Andhra Pradesh in 1956 led to growing discontent among the people of Telangana due to perceived political, economic, and cultural marginalization.
    • The demand for a separate state began to gain momentum as regional inequalities became apparent, particularly in resource allocation and representation.

  2. Student Mobilization (1967-1968)

    • The student community emerged as a significant force in the agitation, organizing protests and strikes. Universities like Osmania University became hubs of political activism.
    • In 1968, student organizations began raising demands for a separate state, leading to widespread public support.

Major Events

  1. Formation of Telangana Praja Samithi (1969)

    • The Telangana Praja Samithi (TPS) was formed on October 21, 1969, under the leadership of Marri Chenna Reddy to unify various factions advocating for Telangana's rights and statehood.
    • The TPS's formation provided a political structure to the movement, attracting support from diverse groups, including students, labor unions, and intellectuals.

  2. Fast unto Death

    • The fasts undertaken by student leaders and activists, including Ravindranath Reddy, gained significant media attention and raised the urgency of the movement.
    • These fasts symbolized the commitment of the activists to the cause and helped galvanize public sentiment in favor of Telangana.

  3. Mass Protests and Strikes (1969)

    • Widespread protests erupted across Telangana, with significant events in cities like Hyderabad and Kothagudem. The protests often turned violent, leading to clashes with police.
    • Labor unions, particularly in coal mining areas, organized strikes, linking their demands for better working conditions with the demand for a separate state.

  4. Police Action and Violence

    • The state government's response to the protests was marked by heavy-handed police action, which included arrests and violence against demonstrators.
    • The police action intensified the agitation, leading to increased public support for the Telangana cause and further protests.

  5. Political Developments

    • The agitation prompted discussions at the national level regarding the demands for statehood. The central government appointed a committee to address the issues raised by the movement.
    • In 1971, the TPS contested the state elections and emerged as a significant political force, highlighting the demand for Telangana within the broader political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

The Jai Telangana Movement was characterized by significant events and public mobilization that reflected the people's aspirations for a separate state. The combination of student activism, labor movements, and political organization under the Telangana Praja Samithi played a crucial role in keeping the demands for Telangana alive, leading to the eventual formation of the state in 2014.