The Fast-Unto-Death by K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) in 2009 was a pivotal moment in the Telangana statehood movement, marking a turning point that reignited the demand for a separate Telangana state. KCR’s hunger strike garnered widespread support and led to a series of political and public responses that ultimately contributed to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana in 2014. Here is an in-depth look at the Fast-Unto-Death and its consequences:
1. Background
Founding of TRS (2001): KCR, a former member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), founded the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in 2001 with the primary goal of achieving a separate Telangana state. TRS emerged as the leading political force advocating for statehood, but despite various electoral alliances and political efforts, the demand for a separate Telangana had not been realized by 2009.
Political Discontent (2009): By 2009, there was growing frustration in Telangana over the perceived lack of progress on statehood. The Congress party had included the issue of Telangana in its 2004 election manifesto, but no concrete steps had been taken. KCR, disillusioned by the lack of action, decided to take a drastic step to bring the issue to the forefront of national attention.
2. The Fast-Unto-Death
Announcement of the Hunger Strike: On November 29, 2009, KCR announced that he would go on an indefinite Fast-Unto-Death until the government made a clear commitment to the creation of a separate Telangana state. His decision to undertake a hunger strike was intended to galvanize public support and force the central government to act on the Telangana issue.
Hunger Strike Begins: KCR began his fast in Siddipet, in the Medak district of Telangana. However, shortly after beginning the strike, he was arrested by the police and moved to the Khammam jail, leading to widespread protests across the Telangana region.
Public Outrage and Mobilization: KCR’s arrest ignited a massive wave of protests and demonstrations throughout Telangana. Students, particularly from Osmania University and Kakatiya University, took to the streets, and government employees, political activists, and the general public rallied in support of KCR and the demand for a separate state.
- The situation escalated as violent clashes occurred between protestors and police in several districts of Telangana.
- Universities in the region became epicenters of the protests, with students organizing strikes and rallies. Many of these protests turned violent, with police resorting to lathi charges and arrests to disperse the demonstrators.
Health Deterioration: As KCR’s health began to deteriorate after several days of fasting, the situation became increasingly tense. The demand for Telangana, which had been simmering for decades, now gained widespread media coverage and national attention due to the dramatic nature of the hunger strike.
3. Central Government’s Response
Political Pressure on Congress: The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, faced immense political pressure from various quarters to address the Telangana issue. The unrest in Telangana, combined with KCR’s deteriorating health, led to calls for immediate action.
Chidambaram’s Announcement: On December 9, 2009, the Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, made a historic announcement. He stated that the central government would begin the process of forming a separate Telangana state, acknowledging the widespread demand for statehood and promising to take the issue forward through consultations with all concerned parties. This was the first time the central government had made such a clear commitment to the creation of Telangana.
- Chidambaram’s statement was seen as a victory for the Telangana movement and as a direct consequence of KCR’s hunger strike. It temporarily calmed the protests, and KCR called off his fast after the government’s assurance.
4. Aftermath and Consequences
Counter-Protests in Seemandhra: The announcement of initiating the process of Telangana’s formation led to counter-protests in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions (collectively known as Seemandhra). People in these regions feared that they would lose economic and political dominance, especially as Hyderabad, a major economic hub, would be part of Telangana.
- Protests under the banner of Samaikyandhra (United Andhra) erupted, demanding that Andhra Pradesh remain united. Political leaders from Seemandhra opposed the division of the state, and several MLAs and MPs from the region submitted their resignations.
Backtracking on the Process: Faced with the growing unrest in Seemandhra, the central government appeared to hesitate. Within days of the December 9 announcement, the government clarified that it would need to hold extensive consultations with all stakeholders before moving forward. This backtracking frustrated Telangana supporters, leading to renewed agitations in the region.
Continuation of Protests: Although KCR had ended his hunger strike, the demand for Telangana continued to gain momentum. The Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC), which included various political parties, student groups, and civil society organizations, was formed to coordinate the movement for statehood.
- Protests, rallies, and strikes continued for the next few years, with periodic flare-ups in public discontent as the central government delayed making a final decision.
5. Eventual Formation of Telangana (2014)
Congress Decision (2013): In July 2013, after years of delay and negotiations, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) finally approved the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, recommending the formation of Telangana as a separate state. Hyderabad was to serve as the joint capital of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period of 10 years.
Telangana Bill in Parliament: The Telangana Bill was introduced and passed in Parliament in February 2014, despite significant opposition from Seemandhra MPs. The bill officially paved the way for the creation of Telangana as India’s 29th state.
Formation of Telangana (June 2, 2014): Telangana was officially formed on June 2, 2014, with K. Chandrashekar Rao becoming the first Chief Minister of the new state. The realization of the decades-long demand for statehood was seen as a major victory for KCR and the TRS.
6. Legacy of the Hunger Strike
Catalyst for Change: KCR’s Fast-Unto-Death is regarded as a watershed moment in the Telangana movement. His hunger strike not only brought national attention to the statehood demand but also united various segments of Telangana society—students, intellectuals, political parties, and common citizens—in a concerted push for statehood.
Symbol of Telangana Struggle: The hunger strike remains a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by the people of Telangana in their struggle for self-rule and autonomy. It underscored the role of non-violent resistance and political pressure in achieving the long-standing demand for Telangana’s creation.
Conclusion
KCR’s Fast-Unto-Death in 2009 played a decisive role in reviving and advancing the movement for a separate Telangana state. The hunger strike mobilized massive public support, forced the central government to take the demand seriously, and ultimately led to the formation of Telangana in 2014. The event is remembered as a critical turning point in the history of the Telangana struggle, reflecting the power of peaceful protest in achieving political goals.
