The formation of Telangana in 2014 was the culmination of decades of struggle and political maneuvering. However, the path to statehood wasn't linear; it was marked by a counter-movement that arose in response to the initial demand for a separate Telangana. This article delves into the Jai Andhra Movement, its origins, its impact on Andhra Pradesh politics, and its role in shaping the eventual creation of Telangana.
The Genesis of Two Movements
To understand the Jai Andhra Movement, we must first revisit the Telangana movement. Rooted in perceived economic and political disparities, the Telangana movement gained momentum in the late 1960s, demanding separation from Andhra Pradesh. This movement was fueled by concerns that the Telangana region was being neglected in terms of development and that its resources were being exploited to benefit other regions.
In response to the growing clamor for Telangana, a counter-movement emerged in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. This was the Jai Andhra Movement, which advocated for a unified Andhra Pradesh or, if separation was inevitable, the creation of a separate Andhra state comprising Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
The Mulki Rules and the Fueling of Jai Andhra
A key catalyst for the Jai Andhra Movement was the issue of "Mulki Rules." These rules, dating back to the Nizam era, granted preferential treatment to "mulkis" (local residents) in education and employment within the Telangana region. When the Supreme Court upheld these rules in 1972, it sparked outrage in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, where people felt discriminated against in their own state capital, Hyderabad.
The Jai Andhra Movement gained traction, with protests and demonstrations erupting across Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. Leaders like Gouthu Latchanna and Tenneti Viswanadham emerged, galvanizing public sentiment against the perceived injustices. The movement even led to the formation of a parallel government in Vijayawada for a brief period.
Impact on Telangana Politics
The Jai Andhra Movement had a significant impact on the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh and the eventual creation of Telangana. It highlighted the complexities of the statehood issue, demonstrating that the desire for separation was not unanimous. The movement also forced the central government to consider the concerns of all regions within Andhra Pradesh.
The Jai Andhra Movement eventually lost steam, but it left a lasting impact. It underscored the regional divisions within Andhra Pradesh and the need for a balanced approach to address the concerns of all regions. This ultimately paved the way for the creation of Telangana in 2014, albeit after much deliberation and political negotiation.
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