Hyderabad, Nov.29 (NSS): Meeting the activists during the Diksha Divas program was truly inspiring and nostalgic. The photo gallery at the event brought back vivid memories of the sacrifices and determination during the Telangana movement.
KCR’s leadership has been instrumental in preserving the Telangana we fought so hard for. The party remains committed to protecting the activists who dedicated their lives to the movement. Opportunists and defectors will not find a place in our party. November 29, Diksha Divas, is a landmark date in the Telangana movement. Since 1956, Telangana faced discrimination, and the warnings of intellectuals about the injustices of merging Telangana with Andhra proved true. Despite intense protests and sacrifices during the 1969 movement, Telangana’s dream remained elusive. Even after electing 11 MPs, doubts about achieving statehood lingered. The formation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand rekindled hopes for Telangana. At that moment, the people of Telangana yearned for a leader to guide the movement. Professor Jayashankar, who dedicated his life to the cause, often said the movement needed a strong leader.
It was at this critical juncture that KCR rose to the occasion, raising the “Jai Telangana” slogan. On April 27, 2001, KCR founded the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) at Jaladrushyam after seeking blessings at Siddipet. This marked a new chapter in the statehood movement. The TRS quickly grew into a strong political force. By 2004, KCR formed an alliance with Congress, insisting that Telangana’s formation be included in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). Even after joining the Cabinet, KCR made it clear to Congress leaders: “I am not here for a ministry; I want Telangana.” Despite this, Congress delayed the statehood process from 2004 to 2009, betraying its promise. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy mocked Telangana demands with remarks like, “Is Telangana a cigarette or biryani to simply hand over?” and even stirred sentiments with divisive comments like, “You’ll need a passport to enter Hyderabad.”
Similarly, the BJP betrayed Telangana with its “One vote, two states” slogan, and the TDP reversed its pro-Telangana resolution after elections. Adding to these challenges, the Supreme Court declared Hyderabad a Free Zone, threatening job opportunities for Telangana youth. TRS protested fiercely under KCR’s leadership. The “Udyoga Garjana” (Job Rally) in Siddipet was a pivotal moment, where KCR vowed to protect Telangana’s rights at any cost. On November 29, 2009, KCR began his indefinite hunger strike in Siddipet, sparking a massive movement. Thousands of police officers were deployed to suppress the strike. KCR was arrested and taken to Khammam, but instead of quelling the agitation, the movement gained momentum. Leaders like Captain Lakshmikantha Rao, Rajayya Yadav, and Nayini Narasimha Reddy stood firmly by KCR in Khammam.
Despite severe repression, including baton charges and mass arrests, the movement intensified. Activist Srikanthachari’s sacrifice further galvanized public support. KCR’s deteriorating health led to his transfer to NIMS Hospital in Hyderabad on December 3.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the Central Government initiated the statehood process on December 9, 2009. The announcement was a direct result of KCR’s sacrifices and the people’s relentless struggle. Notably, Prof. Jayashankar drafted the exact words read by then-Home Minister Chidambaram.
Telangana celebrated this announcement like a festival, but it was short-lived. Andhra MLAs resigned in protest, and pressure to reverse the decision mounted. This betrayal reignited protests across Telangana, with hunger strikes, road blockades, and other agitations. On December 24, 2009, TRS set up a Diksha camp in Siddipet that continued for 1,531 days until Telangana was achieved. This camp became a symbol of the movement’s perseverance and determination.
The Telangana movement saw unprecedented legal suppression. Activists faced over 350 cases filed at police stations, with hundreds of cases against individuals. This highlights the relentless efforts of every activist who stood for Telangana. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who now speaks against KCR, never once said “Jai Telangana” during the movement. He never placed a flower for martyrs or faced a single case during the struggle. His only case is the infamous “Cash for Vote” scandal. Leaders like Kishan Reddy fled to Delhi instead of resigning. TDP MLAs handed in Xerox copies of resignation letters, and Revanth didn’t even bother to submit one. This is the same leader who now talks about erasing KCR’s legacy.
