The Telangana movement intensified significantly between 1991 and 2014, driven by a combination of political, social, and economic factors. Here’s an overview of the key phases and events that marked this intensification:

1. Early Developments (1991-2000)

  • Formation of TRS: The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) was founded in 2001 by K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), focusing on the demand for a separate state. This marked a shift toward a more organized political movement.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Throughout the 1990s, various organizations conducted awareness campaigns highlighting regional disparities and cultural identity, laying the groundwork for more aggressive demands.

2. Political Mobilization (2000-2009)

  • 2001 Telangana Agitation: The TRS initiated a major agitation, demanding a separate state, which included rallies, hunger strikes, and protests. This brought significant media attention and public support.
  • 2004 Elections: The TRS won a substantial number of seats in the state assembly elections, gaining political legitimacy and momentum for the cause. The party entered into an alliance with the Indian National Congress, which promised to address the Telangana issue.

3. Renewed Activism (2009-2011)

  • 2009 Announcement: The Indian government announced the intention to create a separate Telangana state in December 2009, leading to widespread celebrations. However, the subsequent withdrawal of this announcement led to intense protests and unrest.
  • Widespread Agitations: The movement saw a resurgence of protests, including strikes and demonstrations led by students and various organizations. This included the notable Sakala Janula Samme (General Strike) in 2011, which involved participation from multiple sectors, including teachers, employees, and farmers.

4. Negotiations and Unrest (2011-2013)

  • Formation of Committees: The central government formed several committees to discuss the Telangana issue, but these were met with skepticism and frustration from activists who felt that progress was slow and inadequate.
  • Continued Protests: The movement remained active with various forms of protests, including hunger strikes and rallies, often resulting in clashes with police. The commitment to the cause galvanized support among youth, artists, and intellectuals.

5. Final Push and Formation (2013-2014)

  • Intensified Agitation: The period leading up to the formation of the state saw intensified agitation, including mass mobilizations and political pressure from TRS and other groups. KCR emerged as a prominent leader.
  • Cabinet Approval: In July 2014, the Union Cabinet approved the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, leading to the creation of Telangana as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014.

6. Post-Formation Developments

  • Celebration and Transition: The announcement and subsequent formation were met with widespread celebrations in Telangana. There was also a focus on governance and development in the newly formed state, reflecting the aspirations of its people.

Conclusion

The intensification of the Telangana movement from 1991 to 2014 was characterized by strategic political mobilization, grassroots activism, and a strong cultural identity. The collective efforts of various stakeholders ultimately culminated in the successful formation of Telangana as a separate state, marking a significant chapter in India’s political landscape.