Dalit-Bahujan Sanghams (organizations representing the interests of Dalit and Bahujan communities) played a significant role in the Telangana movement, particularly between 1991 and 2014, by advocating for the rights and representation of marginalized communities within the broader demand for a separate state. These groups highlighted the socio-economic and political injustices faced by the lower castes in the Telangana region and aligned their struggle for social justice with the larger Telangana movement. Their role was critical in shaping the movement to be more inclusive of marginalized voices, ensuring that the demand for Telangana was also seen as a demand for equitable development.

Here’s a detailed analysis of the role played by Dalit-Bahujan Sanghams in the formation of Telangana:

1. Historical Context of Dalit-Bahujan Struggles in Telangana

  • Marginalization in United Andhra Pradesh: The Dalit and Bahujan communities in Telangana historically faced severe socio-economic deprivation, political exclusion, and caste-based oppression. In united Andhra Pradesh, the upper-caste dominance over land, resources, and political power meant that these marginalized communities had little representation and limited access to opportunities for development.

  • Landlessness and Caste Oppression: The region’s feudal past and the agrarian structure heavily exploited Dalits and Bahujans, making them a significant part of the movement for land reforms and equitable distribution of resources. The Telangana movement provided a platform for these communities to assert their demands alongside the statehood struggle.

2. Participation in the Telangana Movement

  • Alignment with Statehood Demand: Many Dalit-Bahujan organizations supported the Telangana statehood movement, believing that a separate Telangana would offer a new beginning, where socio-economic policies could be reoriented to benefit the marginalized. These groups framed the creation of Telangana not just as a political demand, but also as a social justice issue, where long-standing inequalities could be addressed.

  • Movements like Madiga Dandora and Tudum Debba: The Madiga Dandora and Tudum Debba movements, which were key Dalit-Bahujan movements in the region, contributed to the broader Telangana agitation by bringing attention to the caste-based discrimination faced by these communities. The Madiga community, in particular, was actively involved in the movement, linking their struggle for social justice with the demand for statehood. These movements aimed at improving the socio-political and economic status of Dalit-Bahujan communities, and they aligned with the broader Telangana cause as they saw statehood as an opportunity for increased representation and access to resources.

  • Bahujan Students Front (BSF): Dalit-Bahujan student organizations like the Bahujan Students Front (BSF) played a prominent role in university-led protests, particularly at Osmania University and Kakatiya University, which were epicenters of the Telangana movement. These student groups emphasized the intersection of caste and regional inequalities, arguing that the creation of Telangana could address the historical marginalization of Dalits and Bahujans.

3. Articulation of Dalit-Bahujan Concerns within the Movement

  • Demand for Equitable Development: Dalit-Bahujan organizations were not content with simply supporting the demand for a separate state. They actively pushed for the movement to include specific provisions for the upliftment of marginalized communities. They argued that Telangana should not just be a replica of the existing state structure that favored upper-caste elites, but a state that would prioritize land reforms, social justice, and welfare programs for Dalits, Adivasis, and Bahujans.

  • Criticism of Dominant Castes in Telangana Leadership: At various points during the movement, Dalit-Bahujan groups criticized the dominance of certain upper-caste leaders and groups in the Telangana movement, particularly the Reddys and Velamas, who often controlled political power. These groups demanded that the Telangana leadership recognize the contributions and needs of marginalized castes and ensure that they were given adequate representation in the new state’s political and economic structures.

  • Formation of Telangana Bahujan Front (TBF): In response to the dominance of upper-caste leadership, Dalit-Bahujan organizations formed the Telangana Bahujan Front (TBF) to articulate their distinct voice within the movement. The TBF demanded that the new Telangana state guarantee reservations for Dalits and Bahujans in political offices, education, and employment, and implement land reforms to benefit the landless Dalit communities.

4. Cultural Assertion and Dalit-Bahujan Identity

  • Cultural Movements and Assertion: Alongside political activism, Dalit-Bahujan groups engaged in cultural assertion to highlight their identity and contributions to Telangana’s history. Dalit and Bahujan poets, writers, and intellectuals used their platforms to challenge the dominant caste narratives within the Telangana movement and emphasized the historical role of oppressed communities in shaping the region.

  • Folk Songs and Cultural Programs: Dalit-Bahujan artists used folk songs, theater, and cultural programs to spread awareness about the Telangana movement in rural areas, particularly targeting Dalit and Adivasi communities. These cultural expressions were not only about statehood but also about reclaiming the cultural identity and history of marginalized groups.

5. Role in Political Mobilization

  • Involvement in Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC): Dalit-Bahujan groups were an active part of the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC), which was formed to coordinate various organizations supporting the statehood demand. The Telangana Vidyarthi Vedika (TVV), a student wing representing Dalit-Bahujan interests, played a vital role in student protests, ensuring that the movement remained inclusive of marginalized communities.

  • Push for Reservation and Representation in the New State: One of the key demands of Dalit-Bahujan organizations was for greater political representation in the new Telangana state. They argued that the new state should ensure proportional representation for Dalits and Bahujans in the legislative assembly and other government institutions. These demands were consistently articulated in public forums, protests, and negotiations with political leaders.

6. Challenges Faced by Dalit-Bahujan Groups

  • Caste Dynamics within the Movement: Despite their active participation, Dalit-Bahujan groups often found themselves sidelined by upper-caste leaders in the Telangana movement. The leadership of the movement was predominantly from the Reddy and Velama castes, and while the movement projected a united front, the internal caste dynamics sometimes led to tensions over whose voices were being prioritized.

  • Internal Divisions: There were also internal divisions within the Dalit-Bahujan groups. For instance, the Madigas and Malas—two significant Dalit sub-castes—had different approaches and priorities in the movement. These internal caste divisions sometimes weakened their collective bargaining power within the broader Telangana movement.

7. Contributions to the Final Success of the Movement

  • Grassroots Mobilization: Dalit-Bahujan Sanghams were instrumental in mobilizing grassroots support for the Telangana movement, particularly in rural areas. Their involvement ensured that the movement was not just an elite-driven political project but had widespread support across different sections of society.

  • Pressure on Political Leadership: The persistent pressure from Dalit-Bahujan groups on the Telangana leadership to address social justice concerns played a role in shaping the political discourse around statehood. Their activism ensured that issues of land reforms, reservations, and equitable development were included in discussions about the future of Telangana.

8. Post-Telangana Formation

  • Ongoing Advocacy for Social Justice: After the formation of Telangana in 2014, Dalit-Bahujan organizations have continued to advocate for their demands, particularly around land redistribution, reservation policies, and political representation. While the creation of Telangana was seen as a victory, many Dalit-Bahujan groups argue that the struggle for social justice within the new state is far from over, and they remain active in ensuring that the promises made during the movement are fulfilled.

Conclusion

Dalit-Bahujan Sanghams played a crucial role in the Telangana movement by ensuring that the demand for statehood also included a strong call for social justice, equity, and representation for marginalized communities. Their participation highlighted the intersection of regional and caste-based inequalities and shaped the Telangana movement to be more inclusive of oppressed groups. While the political leadership of the movement was often dominated by upper-caste leaders, the role of Dalit-Bahujan organizations in mobilizing support, advocating for social justice, and pushing for structural reforms was indispensable in the eventual creation of Telangana in 2014. Their continued advocacy in the post-Telangana period indicates that the struggle for equitable development remains ongoing.