The Telangana movement from 1991 to 2014 witnessed several large-scale, popular protests that played a critical role in achieving the goal of statehood. These protests were diverse in nature, involving students, political leaders, farmers, employees, and various sections of society. The protests not only kept the movement alive during periods of political inaction but also built tremendous pressure on the state and central governments to grant separate statehood to Telangana.

Here is an overview of the key popular protests during the Telangana movement:

1. 1996 Telangana Liberation Day Protests

In the mid-1990s, the demand for the revival of Telangana gained momentum again, particularly with the observance of Telangana Liberation Day on September 17, 1996. Telangana had a distinct historical experience under the rule of the Nizams before its merger with Andhra Pradesh in 1956. The observance of Telangana Liberation Day was a reminder of the region’s distinct identity and its demand for a separate state.

Various political and student organizations used this event as a platform to reignite the movement. Protests and demonstrations were held across the region to highlight the historical neglect of Telangana and demand a separate state.

2. 2001 Formation of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Initial Protests

The formation of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in 2001 under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) marked a new chapter in the Telangana movement. The TRS became the political face of the movement and organized various protests, rallies, and public meetings to drum up support for the cause.

Mass rallies and dharnas (sit-ins) were held across Telangana districts, with KCR leading these protests and making fiery speeches about the historical injustices suffered by the region under the united Andhra Pradesh government. These protests brought the Telangana issue to the forefront of regional politics.

3. 2009 KCR's Hunger Strike and the Rise of Mass Protests

One of the most pivotal moments in the Telangana movement occurred in 2009 when KCR launched an indefinite hunger strike (Deeksha) on November 29, 2009, demanding the creation of Telangana. This event became a turning point and led to a massive outpouring of public support for the Telangana cause.

Public Response:

  • KCR's hunger strike sparked spontaneous protests across the Telangana region. Thousands of people from all walks of life—students, employees, farmers, and activists—took to the streets, staging rasta rokos (road blockades), rail rokos (train blockades), and bandhs (strikes).
  • Osmania University in Hyderabad became a central point of student-led protests. Students at the university organized massive demonstrations and boycotts, demanding separate statehood.
  • The pressure created by KCR’s fast and the widespread protests forced the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the center to make a significant announcement. On December 9, 2009, then-Home Minister P. Chidambaram announced that the process for the formation of Telangana would be initiated, leading to temporary celebrations.

However, this announcement also triggered counter-protests in the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, leading to the UPA government’s reconsideration of its stance, which further fueled the protests in Telangana.

4. 2010 Million March

One of the most iconic protests of the Telangana movement was the Million March on March 10, 2011. Organized by the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee (TJAC), this protest was a massive demonstration that aimed to showcase the collective strength of the people of Telangana in support of statehood.

Key Features:

  • Tens of thousands of people from across Telangana descended on Tank Bund in Hyderabad, a prominent location in the city, despite heavy police presence and restrictions.
  • The protesters dismantled statues of leaders who were seen as symbols of Andhra dominance, including several national figures whose statues were erected on Tank Bund. This act was symbolic of the resentment and anger against the political establishment that had marginalized Telangana.
  • The Million March brought national and international attention to the movement and was a significant show of strength for the pro-Telangana camp.

5. Sakala Janula Samme (General Strike) 2011

One of the largest and most coordinated protests in the history of the Telangana movement was the Sakala Janula Samme or the General Strike of All People, which lasted for 42 days, from September to October 2011.

Key Features:

  • Organized by the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee (TJAC), the strike involved employees from all sectors, including government employees, teachers, bus drivers, healthcare workers, and even coal miners from the Singareni Collieries.
  • The entire Telangana region came to a standstill, with government offices, schools, transportation services, and industries all shutting down.
  • The strike demonstrated the collective power of the people and paralyzed the administration in Telangana, putting enormous pressure on the central government to address the demand for statehood.

6. Rail Roko and Road Blockades (Rasta Rokos)

Throughout the Telangana movement, rail rokos (train blockades) and rasta rokos (road blockades) were common forms of protest. These actions were highly effective in disrupting transportation and communication lines, drawing attention to the cause and compelling authorities to respond.

  • In 2011 and 2012, the Telangana Employees Joint Action Committee (TEJAC) and various student groups organized several rail rokos, where thousands of protesters occupied railway tracks and stations, halting train services across the region.
  • Road blockades were organized on major highways connecting Telangana to other regions, especially between Hyderabad and Andhra areas. These protests caused significant disruptions and demonstrated the frustration of the people with the prolonged delay in granting statehood.

7. Chalo Hyderabad and Chalo Assembly Protests

The Chalo Hyderabad and Chalo Assembly protests were important milestones in the Telangana movement. These protests aimed to converge large numbers of protesters at critical locations in Hyderabad, including the state assembly, to demand the formation of Telangana.

Chalo Assembly Protest (2012):

  • In September 2012, the Chalo Assembly protest was organized by the TJAC. Thousands of activists marched towards the Telangana Legislative Assembly in Hyderabad, demanding the government pass a resolution in favor of statehood.
  • Despite heavy police deployment and preventive arrests, the protesters managed to create significant disruptions. The event highlighted the people's demand for the government to take immediate action on the issue of Telangana.

8. Telangana March (2012)

On September 30, 2012, the Telangana March was organized by the TJAC, in which thousands of people marched towards Hyderabad, despite prohibitory orders. The marchers sought to pressurize the central government into making a concrete announcement on the creation of Telangana.

  • The protest saw widespread participation from various sections of society, including students, employees, and political activists. The march ended in violent clashes between protesters and the police, with several injuries reported. The authorities used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
  • The Telangana March was significant as it showed the determination of the people to continue their struggle despite government crackdowns.

9. 2013 "Amarula Bandh" (Martyrs' Strike)

On December 6, 2013, the pro-Telangana groups observed a bandh (shutdown) across the region to commemorate the martyrs who had died for the Telangana cause. This protest was significant as it came at a time when the process of statehood was in its final stages.

The "Amarula Bandh" was symbolic, as it aimed to honor the hundreds of people who had sacrificed their lives during the decades-long struggle for Telangana. Shops, educational institutions, and businesses were closed as people paid tribute to the martyrs.

Conclusion

Popular protests were the heartbeat of the Telangana movement from 1991 to 2014. These protests, ranging from hunger strikes and mass rallies to rail rokos and general strikes, maintained pressure on both the state and central governments to fulfill the demand for separate statehood. The widespread participation of students, employees, political parties, and civil society groups made these protests highly effective, ensuring that the Telangana issue could not be ignored. The movement’s success in achieving statehood was a testament to the power of sustained, mass protests and the resilience of the people of Telangana.