November 29, 2009, marks a historic day in the journey of Telangana’s statehood movement, largely attributed to the actions of K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR), the chief of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). On this day, KCR initiated a fast-unto-death at Rangadhampally Crossroads in Alaganur village near Siddipet, demanding separate statehood for Telangana. His decision to undertake this indefinite hunger strike became a pivotal moment, intensifying the movement for Telangana’s statehood.
The government’s response to KCR’s hunger strike further fueled the movement. KCR was arrested by the state police and shifted from Alaganur to Khammam jail. This action sparked widespread protests across the region, with students, employees, and various people’s organizations actively participating and intensifying their demands for a separate Telangana state. The movement quickly spread across the ten districts of the region, signaling a significant escalation in the quest for statehood.
The health of KCR deteriorated during the hunger strike, necessitating his transfer to a hospital facility. This development heightened the intensity of the protests, catching the attention of both the state and central governments. The hunger strike and the subsequent events not only drew national attention but also changed the course of Telangana’s history, eventually leading to the formation of Telangana as a separate state in India.