Why June 2nd matters: The Story behind Telangana Formation Day

Hyderabad: Telangana was separated from Andhra Pradesh to become the youngest state of India. It was officially recognised on June 2, 2014.

BRS chief K. Chandrashekhar Rao became the first chief minister of Telangana as his party Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), then known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), won the majority in the initial elections, marking a new chapter in the political landscape of India.

This big change didn't just end a long fight to become a state but also started a new beginning for Telangana people.

Telangana Movement

The journey toward the formation of Telangana was long and fraught with challenges. Following recommendations of the States Reorganisation Committee (SRC), which was established by the Central government to create new states based on linguistic lines, Telangana was merged with Andhra Pradesh on November 1, 1956.

To protect the interests of Telangana, a Gentleman’s Agreement was signed before the merger, including the distribution of jobs according to the population of both regions. As per one of the agreement’s clauses, employees who moved to Hyderabad from Andhra Pradesh and spent 12 years there would be considered local residents with full rights and privileges.

Despite these measures, over time, many people in Telangana became dissatisfied with the implementation of the Gentleman’s Agreement. They felt it was violated by people from the Andhra Pradesh region, particularly in areas like job distribution, development, and political representation.

Additionally, a report by the Justice Bhargava Committee, headed by Justice Vashishtha Bhargava, found several violations, including the illegal employment of Andhra employees in Hyderabad and the diversion of Telangana funds to Andhra Pradesh. These grievances eventually led to widespread agitations, intensifying demands for justice and accountability.

Role of TRS in Formation of the State

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), established in 2001 by K. Chandrashekhar Rao, played a major role in realizing the dream of millions of Telangana people. The party was focused solely on achieving a separate state.

Following several protests by people and leaders, the Union Cabinet approved the creation of the new state on October 3, 2013.

On February 8, 2014, the Congress government at the Centre passed the Telangana Bill in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with support from other parties in India. The long-awaited statehood finally became a reality after the President of India gave his consent to the Bill, and it was officially recognized on June 2, 2014.

Upcoming Celebrations

As Telangana approaches its 10th anniversary, the state government has planned extensive celebrations for State Formation Day on June 2. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will pay tributes to Telangana martyrs at Gun Park, honoring the heroes who sacrificed their lives for statehood.

Additionally, he will unfurl the national flag at Parade Grounds in the morning. Sonia Gandhi will participate in the celebrations for the first time since the state's formation in 2014. She will address the gathering alongside CM Revanth Reddy.

These events mark a significant milestone, celebrating the decade-long journey of Telangana since its inception and recognizing the contributions of key figures in its establishment.

Opposition Celebrations

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by K. Chandrashekar Rao, has planned grand celebrations across the district to mark Telangana Formation Day. A decade ago, Rao's hunger strike significantly boosted the demand for a separate state, leading the UPA government to eventually split Andhra Pradesh.

The BRS is organising three-day celebrations starting from June 1 to honor the sacrifices made for the state's formation. Events include a candlelight rally on June 1, from Gun Park to Amara Jyothi Memorial at 7 pm, with large numbers of people expected to participate.

From political struggle to economic success

The formation of Telangana was a major event in India's politics, driven by long-standing demands for a separate state. Key issues included job distribution, educational opportunities, and budget allocation.

Since its separation, Telangana has rapidly progressed in IT, pharmaceuticals, real estate, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure. This growth has boosted the economy, improved living standards, and attracted global investments. Significant advancements in state revenue, economic output, and individual income highlight its successful economic planning and development.

The state's focused efforts have led to notable improvements, showcasing its effective economic and developmental strategies.