Madras Manade

Madras Manadewas a movement launched by theTelugu people(Andhras) residing in Madras to create a separate state for their community withMadras(now known asChennai) as its capital city.

Though the demand for a separate state existed as far back as 1913 (and possibly earlier),it gained momentum in the 1940s and 1950s. There were continuous demonstrations, strikes, etc. Telugu leaders likeTanguturi Prakasam,Tenneti Viswanatham,Bulusu Sambamurti,Bezawada Gopala Reddy,Neelam Sanjiva Reddy,VeeresalingamPantulu andBhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayyaled the agitation. The efforts were unsuccessful. They popularized the slogan 'Madrasu Manade'(మద్రాసు మనదే,Madras is ours).Tamilsopposed the inclusion of Madras.It was during this time, the Telugu leaders launched Madras Manade(Madras is ours, in Telugu) movement. Countering this, another movement was launched in Tamil Nadu by the organisation Tamil Arasu Kazhagam. It was called Madras Namade(Madras is ours, in Tamil). The Tamil Arasu Kazhagam under the leadership of its founder organised various protests and rally against annexing Madras with Andhra.

J.V.P. Committee

TheJ.V.P. Committeetook its name from its membersJawaharlal Nehru,Vallabhbhai PatelandBhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya.The Committee reported to the Working Committee of theIndian National Congressin April, 1949, recommending that the creation of linguistic provinces be postponed. However, it suggested that Andhra Province could be formed, provided the Andhras gave up their claim to the city of Madras.This report provoked violent reaction in Andhra as the Telugus were not prepared to forgo their claims. The two alternative political solutions suggested by Andhra leaders were to make Madras as joint capital of Andhra and Madras States or to divide the City, allowing the areas north of the riverCooumgoing to Andhra and areas south of the river going to Madras states, which did not find favour with Tamils or central leaders.C. Rajagopalachari,the then chief minister of Madras province, did not support Madras moving to Andhra State. On the Tamil peoples' sideM. P. Sivagnanam(ம.பொ.சி) leader of a Tamil organization calledTamil Arasu Kazhagamagitated against Telugus' claim organising rallies, meetings anddharnasetc., sayingதலை கொடுத்தேனும் தலைநகரைக் காப்போம், வேங்கடத்தை விடமாட்டோம்(We will protect and save the capital for Tamils even if we have to part with our heads, We will not give up our claim over Tirupati).

Outcome

At this stagePotti Sreeramulu,a freedom fighter, embarked on a fatal fast, demanding a Telugu state including Madras. Ongoing violent agitation compelled the creation of the separateAndhra Statewith eleven Telugu majority districts and three taluks ofBellarydistrict.Kurnoolwas made the capital after Telugu leaders were convinced to give up their claim over Madras City. The new state came into existence on 1 October 1953.