Telangana: A Call for "Our Telangana"

This analysis is based on Prof. Inukonda Tirumali article. 

HYDERABAD – The political landscape of Telangana is shifting, particularly after the recent Karnataka election results. While established parties like the BRS and Congress position themselves for potential gains, a growing voice, represented by Inukonda Thirumali, calls for a fundamental shift in focus: the needs and aspirations of the people. Thirumali argues that the dream of a samajika (social) Telangana, a vision that fueled the Telangana movement, remains largely unfulfilled.

The Widening Gap:

Thirumali paints a picture of stark contrast. Elected leaders, he claims, have amassed wealth and power, while the very people who put them in office – peasants, laborers, students, and the marginalized unorganized sector – see little improvement in their daily lives. The promise of political justice rings hollow, with leadership positions often becoming family legacies. Economic justice is equally elusive, as the wealth generated by the community disproportionately benefits a select few. Thirumali asserts that democracy, in its current form, serves the interests of privileged castes, capitalists, and businessmen, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable and insecure.

From Hope to Disillusionment:

The Telangana movement ignited hopes for a brighter future, a future where the voices of the marginalized would be heard and their needs addressed. However, Thirumali argues that the current government has largely followed the same path as its predecessors, continuing policies that favor business interests over the welfare of the people. Land seizures for irrigation projects, a contentious practice of previous administrations, persist under the current leadership. The BRS's rebranding, Thirumali suggests, is a strategic move to distance itself from local concerns and pursue broader political ambitions.

A Vision for "Our Telangana":

Thirumali questions the very foundation of "Bangaru Telangana" (Golden Telangana), asking whether it has truly benefited anyone beyond capitalists and businessmen. He criticizes the Rythubandu scheme for primarily benefiting landowners, exacerbating the divide between landowners (pattadars) and actual cultivators (tenants and smallholders). He also raises concerns about the increasing influence of "hooligan leaders" in villages. He advocates for a "people's model" of development, one that prioritizes social justice and economic equality over the current focus on liberalization and privatization.

Empowering the Marginalized:

Thirumali points out that despite their significant support, marginalized communities have not experienced meaningful power-sharing. Symbolic gestures and welfare programs, he argues, are insufficient substitutes for genuine representation and participation in governance. He reminds the political class that the Telangana movement was built on the foundation of prajaswamika (democratic) and samajikanyaya (social justice), principles that have yet to be fully realized.

A Call for Unity and Action:

Thirumali criticizes existing political parties for prioritizing electoral gains over genuine commitment to the people. He proposes a new political formation: a federation of historically excluded and marginalized groups, including caste associations, gender groups, and civil/political rights organizations. This federation would contest elections independently, giving voice to the concerns of those traditionally left out of the political process. This "federative politics," he believes, can bridge the growing chasm between leaders and the people.

This new political entity would serve as an agent of social transformation and political empowerment, ensuring that representation comes from within the communities themselves. It would champion the protection of vital resources – land, forests, and water – and promote a model of development that prioritizes the broader social good. Thirumali calls for a "United Front" of like-minded individuals and organizations to build "our Telangana" – a Telangana that truly reflects the aspirations of its people. He sees this as a crucial step towards dismantling the inequalities perpetuated by caste and capitalism and a necessary response to the failures of the current political system.