The Telangana Praja Samithi (TPS) was established as a significant political party during the Jai Telangana Movement in the late 1960s. Here’s an overview of its formation, objectives, and impact:

Formation

  • Foundation: The Telangana Praja Samithi was formed on October 21, 1969, primarily to advocate for the rights and demands of the Telangana region, particularly in the context of the ongoing agitation for a separate state.
  • Key Leaders: The party was led by Marri Chenna Reddy, a prominent political figure and a staunch advocate for Telangana's statehood. He played a crucial role in uniting various factions within the movement under a single political banner.

Objectives

  • Separate Statehood: The primary objective of the Telangana Praja Samithi was to demand the formation of a separate state of Telangana, which had been merged with Andhra Pradesh in 1956. The party aimed to address the grievances related to political marginalization, economic disparity, and cultural identity issues faced by the people of Telangana.
  • Advocacy for Rights: The TPS sought to promote the socio-economic rights of the Telangana people, including better access to resources, employment opportunities, and political representation.

Impact and Significance

  • Political Mobilization: The formation of TPS significantly mobilized public support for the Telangana cause. It provided a structured political platform for the agitation, drawing in students, intellectuals, and workers from various backgrounds.
  • Elections and Representation: In the 1971 elections, the TPS emerged as a major political force, winning a significant number of seats in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. This electoral success highlighted the demand for Telangana within the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Long-term Legacy: Although the Telangana Praja Samithi eventually lost its prominence in the 1980s, its formation marked a critical juncture in the struggle for Telangana statehood. The party's activities and political advocacy laid the groundwork for future movements that ultimately led to the formation of Telangana as a separate state in 2014.

Conclusion

The Telangana Praja Samithi played a vital role in the political landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s, serving as a vehicle for the aspirations of the people of Telangana. Its formation was pivotal in uniting various groups under a common cause, significantly influencing the trajectory of the movement for a separate state.