The creation of Telangana, the 29th state of India, on June 2, 2014, was a momentous occasion that marked the culmination of a long and often turbulent struggle for separate statehood. This article delves into the historical, political, and economic factors that fueled the Telangana movement, the role of the UPA government in the state's formation, and the impact of statehood on both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Historical Context
The demand for a separate Telangana state has its roots in the distinct cultural and linguistic identity of the region, as well as perceived economic and political marginalization within the larger state of Andhra Pradesh. The region, which was part of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad, was merged with Andhra State in 1956 to form Andhra Pradesh, with the assurance of safeguards for Telangana's interests. However, these safeguards were often not implemented, leading to growing resentment and several waves of agitation for separation.
Political and Economic Factors
Political factors played a crucial role in the Telangana movement. Regional parties like the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) effectively mobilized public sentiment and exerted pressure on the central government. The Congress party, recognizing the growing support for statehood, eventually made it a part of their electoral platform.
Economic factors also contributed to the demand for Telangana. The region felt disadvantaged in terms of development, with concerns over water allocation, employment opportunities, and infrastructure development. The perception that the region's resources were being used to benefit other parts of Andhra Pradesh further fueled the movement.
Role of the UPA Government
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the center played a pivotal role in the creation of Telangana. After much deliberation and political maneuvering, the government decided to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act was passed by Parliament in 2014, paving the way for the formation of Telangana.
Impact of Statehood
The creation of Telangana has had a significant impact on both the new state and the residuary Andhra Pradesh.
Telangana: The new state has focused on developing its infrastructure, attracting investments, and improving its social indicators. The state has witnessed significant growth in the IT sector and has made strides in agriculture and irrigation. However, challenges remain in terms of equitable development and addressing regional disparities.
Andhra Pradesh: The bifurcation led to the loss of Hyderabad, a major economic and revenue hub, for Andhra Pradesh. The state has been working to build a new capital city, Amaravati, and develop its infrastructure. However, the process has been fraught with challenges and controversies.
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