Question

Which one of the following is the reason that led to the formation of Andhra state in 1952?

• A. Realising the need to reorganise the internal boundaries of Indian states at the end of colonial rule.
• B. Reorganisation of the Indian National Congress on the basis of linguistic principle after Nagpur session in 1920.
• C. Death of the Congress leader, Potti Sriramulu which caused great unrest and led to resignation of several legislators of Madras in protest.
• D. The Tamil speaking people of old Madras province demanding the reorganisation of state on the basis of language.

Hint:

The death of Potti Sriramulu was the critical historical trigger. It forced the Union Government to establish the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1953, leading to the reorganization of Indian states primarily on linguistic lines.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Contextualizing the Post-Independence State Boundaries:
Immediately after independence, the Indian government resisted reorganizing states on linguistic lines, fearing that cultural divisions might lead to the balkanization or disintegration of the newly sovereign country.

Step 2: The Vishalandhra Movement:
Telugu-speaking populations in the old Madras Province demanded a separate state (Andhra state) composed of the Telugu-dominated districts of Madras, known as the Vishalandhra movement.

Step 3: The Catalyst of 1952:
Potti Sriramulu, a respected Gandhian leader and Congress activist, went on an indefinite fast in late 1952 demanding a separate Andhra state. Tragically, after 56 days of fasting, Sriramulu passed away on December 15, 1952. His death triggered massive civil unrest, riots, and violent demonstrations across the region. Several state legislators resigned in protest. Unable to contain the crisis, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was forced to announce the creation of a separate Andhra state in December 1952 (which officially came into being in October 1953). This directly matches Option (C).