History of Chennai - MADRAS MANADE Movement

MADRAS MANADE Movement

The history of Chennai in twentyth century is not complete without mentioning 'Madras Manade' movement launched by Telugu speaking people(Andhras). The intention of the movement was to create a separate state for Telugu speaking people with Madras as its Capital City. Though the demand was there since as back as the year 1913 and still earlier in the pre-independence days it took momentum in 1940s and fifties. There were continuous agitations,strikes etc., Great Telugu leaders like Tanguturi Prakasam, Tenneti Viswanatham, Bulusu Sambhamorty, Bezwada Gopala Reddy, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, Veeresalingam Panthulu and Pattabhi Seetharam were pioneers in this direction and were leading the agitation but the goal of getting a separate state for Telugus did not materialize. But the agitation continued more vehemently with the famous slogan 'MADRASU MANADE'(మద్రాసు మనదే) in Telugu meaning Madras is ours. But Tamils opposed the agitation to include Chennai in the Andhra State if created.A committee popularly known as J.V.P. Committee consisting of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramaiah was constituted by the Congress. The Committee in its report submitted to the Working Committee of the Indian National Congress in April,1949 recommended that the creation of linguistic provinces be postponed by few years. However, it suggested that Andhra Province could be formed provided the Andhras gave up their claim to the city of Madras (now Chennai),. This report provoked violent reaction in Andhra as the Telugus were not prepared to forego their claims to the city of Madras. The other two alternative political solutions suggested by Andhra leaders i.e., making Chennai as joint capital of Andhra and Madras States or bifurcating the City allowing the areas north of the river Cooum going to Andhra and areas south of the said river going to Madras states did not find favour with Tamils or central leaders.Sri C.Rajagopalachari, the then chief minister of Madras province who was a very powerful and influential politician did not support Chennai being transferred to Andhra State. On the Tamil peoples' side Shri M.P.Sivagnanam (ம.பொ.சி) leader of a Tamil organization called Tamil Arasu Kazhagam agitated against Telugus' claim organizing rallies,meetings and dharnas etc.,in each and every corner of Chennai City raising another great slogan in Tamil 'தலை கொடுத்தேனும் தலைநகரைக் காப்போம், வேங்கடத்தை விடமாட்டோம்' which means in detail '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'.

At this stage Shri Potti Sriramulu, a freedom fighter, born in MADRAS who was a Telugu himself took an indefinite fast unto death, demanding creation of a separate state for Telugu speaking people with MADRAS as it's capital.He died fasting and violent agitation followed for many days in Telugu areas which compelled creation of separate Andhra State with eleven Telugu majority districts and three taluks of Bellary district. Kurnool was made capital after persuading Telugu leaders to give up their claim over MADRAS City. The new state came into existence from first October 1953.