The Case of Andhra: the first linguistic state

The speakers of Telugu asked the Congress to implement its old resolution in favour of linguistic states. The method they used to advance their causes included: Petitions, representations, street marches, parts. To support their cause, former Madras CM T. Prakasam resigned from the Congress party in 1950. Another politician Swami Sitaram went on hunger strike to support Telegu people's cause. Later he called off his hunger strike on the appeal of veteran Gandhian leader Vinobha Bhave.

On 19 October 1952, a popular freedom fighter, Potti Sriramulu undertook a fast unto death over the demand for a separate Andhra; unfortunately he passed away on 15 December 1952. After his death people were agitated and it was followed by rioting, demonstrations, hartals and violence all over Andhra. The Vishalandhra movement (as the movement for a separate Andhra was called) turned violent. Finally, the then PM Nehru announced the formation of a separate Andhra State on 19 December 1952.