The Rytu-Cooli Sanghams (Farmers and Agricultural Laborers Unions) emerged as significant grassroots organizations in Telangana during the late 1960s and early 1970s, primarily aimed at advocating for the rights of farmers and agricultural laborers. Here’s an overview of their formation, objectives, and impact:

Formation and Background

  1. Context:

    • The Rytu-Cooli Sanghams arose against a backdrop of severe agrarian distress in Telangana, characterized by rampant poverty, landlessness, and exploitation by landlords. The traditional feudal system deeply impacted the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural workers.

  2. Inspirational Movements:

    • The Naxalite movement, with its emphasis on land rights and social justice, provided a significant ideological foundation for the formation of these unions. Activists sought to mobilize rural populations to fight against oppressive land tenure systems and advocate for agrarian reform.

Objectives

  1. Land Rights:

    • One of the primary goals of the Rytu-Cooli Sanghams was to secure land rights for the landless and promote equitable distribution of land among small and marginal farmers.

  2. Fair Wages and Working Conditions:

    • The unions aimed to ensure fair wages for agricultural laborers and improve their working conditions. They organized protests and strikes to demand better compensation and labor rights.

  3. Collective Action:

    • These organizations promoted collective action among farmers and laborers, encouraging them to unite against exploitation and engage in negotiations with landlords and government authorities.

Activities and Impact

  1. Mobilization of Farmers:

    • The Rytu-Cooli Sanghams played a crucial role in mobilizing farmers and agricultural workers across Telangana. They organized rallies, meetings, and awareness campaigns to raise consciousness about their rights and the importance of collective bargaining.

  2. Land Seizures:

    • In some instances, the Sanghams facilitated the seizure of land from landlords, redistributing it to landless laborers and marginalized communities. These actions were often met with severe repression from state forces but significantly impacted the agrarian landscape.

  3. Political Influence:

    • Over time, the Rytu-Cooli Sanghams became influential in local politics, advocating for policy changes related to agrarian reform and social justice. They also contributed to the broader Naxalite movement, helping to shape its agenda and goals.

Conclusion

The Rytu-Cooli Sanghams were instrumental in addressing the grievances of farmers and agricultural laborers in Telangana. By promoting collective action and advocating for land rights, they contributed significantly to the agrarian struggles that characterized the region during the late 20th century.