తెలంగాణలో కాంగ్రెస్ చరిత్ర: బూర్గుల నుంచి రేవంత్ రెడ్డి వరకు

History of Congress in Telangana: From Burgula to Revanth Reddy

The Indian National Congress holds a special place in the political history of Telangana. It was that party that ruled the region for almost four decades after independence. It was the central government led by the same party that gave it a separate state. However, it had to wait almost ten years for power in the new state. This is that interesting journey.

First steps in Hyderabad state

There was not much freedom for political activities during the Nizam's rule. In 1938, the Hyderabad State Congress was formed under the leadership of Swami Ramananda Tirtha. Although the Nizam's government banned it, the struggle for responsible government continued. After Hyderabad's accession to India in 1948, the Congress won the first elections held in 1952. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao became the first elected Chief Minister of Hyderabad State.

Telangana leaders in united Andhra Pradesh

Even after the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, the Congress continued to dominate. Many leaders from Telangana took up key positions. Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao (PV) from Wangara in Karimnagar district undertook land reforms as Chief Minister between 1971–73. Later, he initiated economic reforms as the Prime Minister of the country between 1991–96. He was the first Prime Minister from South India and the only Prime Minister from Telugu. Marri Chenna Reddy led the 1969 movement and later became Chief Minister twice. T. Anjaiah also became Chief Minister from this region.

Challenges after 1983

In 1983, NT Rama Rao founded the Telugu Desam Party and defeated the Congress. After that, state politics became a contest between the two parties. In 2004, under the leadership of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the Congress returned to power in an alliance with the TRS. It won in 2009 as well.

Formation of Telangana — Congress decision

Following the December 9, 2009 announcement and the subsequent surge in the movement, the Congress Working Committee approved the formation of Telangana on July 30, 2013. Telangana Congress leaders say that the decision of then Congress President Sonia Gandhi was crucial. In February 2014, the UPA government passed the bill in Parliament. This decision almost wiped out the Congress in Andhra Pradesh.

Defeat despite giving the state (2014, 2018)

Surprisingly, in the 2014 elections, the people of Telangana voted for the TRS, which led the movement. The Congress was limited to 21 seats. In 2018, it contested as a "people's alliance" with the TDP, but it won only 19 seats. After that, the party weakened as many MLAs joined the ruling party. At one stage, doubts arose about the future of the Congress in Telangana.

Revival — 2023

In 2021, Anumula Revanth Reddy became the Telangana PCC president. He invigorated the party ranks with his aggressive campaigning style and grassroots activities. He announced "six guarantees" ahead of the 2023 assembly elections — free bus travel for women, Mahalaxmi, Rythu Bharosa, Gruha Jyoti (free electricity), Indiramma Manzanu, Yuva Vikasam, and Cheyutha Pensions. In the 2023 December elections, the Congress won a majority of 64 seats. Revanth Reddy was sworn in as the Chief Minister on December 7. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it won 8 of the 17 seats in the state.

Challenges ahead

The implementation of election promises requires huge funds. The burden of state debt, the sharing of funds with the center, internal mobilizations within the party — all these are tests for the government. While the opposition is questioning the implementation of the promises, the government is saying that they are implementing them in phases.

Conclusion

Power, defeat, comeback — the history of the Telangana Congress is a combination of these three. This history once again reminds us that in a democracy, there is no permanent victory or permanent defeat for any party.

Photo: Adbh266 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)