Chalo Assembly

 

Question: Chalo Assembly

Introduction

Chalo Assembly, meaning "March to the Assembly," was a significant protest rally on 30 September 2011, organized by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) to besiege the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Hyderabad. It demanded immediate introduction of a Telangana statehood bill in Parliament. Part of the escalating Telangana movement, this event involved thousands marching towards the assembly complex, symbolizing direct confrontation with state authority. Led by TJAC's M. Kodandaram and backed by TRS, employee unions, and student groups, it highlighted frustrations over broken promises from the central government since the 2009 announcement. The protest turned chaotic with police clashes, underscoring the movement's intensity and the government's resolve to maintain order amid fears of violence.

Background

Following the 2009 fast by TRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao and the home minister's statehood promise, delays fueled agitations like the Million March. By mid-2011, TJAC called for a general strike (Sakala Janula Same) paralyzing Telangana for weeks. Chalo Assembly was announced as its climax, coinciding with the assembly's monsoon session to pressure MLAs. Organizers planned a peaceful siege, urging participants to converge from all directions. The government, anticipating unrest, imposed Section 144, deployed 20,000 police, and barricaded roads. Social media and pamphlets mobilized crowds, framing it as a democratic right to petition lawmakers.

Events

On 30 September, from morning, protesters assembled at various points like Osmania University and Indira Park, marching towards the assembly near Hussain Sagar. Over 50,000 joined, including teachers, lawyers, and farmers, carrying flags and banners. Police set up multi-layer barricades, using water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges to halt advances. Clashes erupted at several spots; demonstrators hurled stones, while security forces arrested hundreds, including TRS leaders. Some groups breached outer perimeters, sitting on roads in defiance. Folk artists performed revolutionary songs, boosting spirits amid chaos. The siege lasted hours, with traffic halted and Hyderabad under virtual lockdown. By evening, most dispersed, but sporadic protests continued.

Aftermath

The rally resulted in over 1,000 arrests and injuries to protesters and police. TJAC condemned excessive force, while the government justified it to prevent anarchy. The event extended the general strike, impacting economy and services. It drew national attention, prompting Congress leaders to promise action, though delays persisted. Legal battles followed over arrests, with courts criticizing police brutality.

Legacy

Chalo Assembly epitomized the Telangana movement's confrontational phase, galvanizing support and exposing state repression. It contributed to the eventual bifurcation in 2014, remembered as a catalyst for unity. Post-statehood, it inspires narratives of sacrifice, with memorials and annual tributes honoring participants.