Part of: Andhra Pradesh Gk set 12

Who came up with the slogan 'We want Andhra'?

Category: Andhra Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the leaders involved in the Andhra movement for statehood.

Correct Answer: B) Potti Srirmalu.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The slogan 'We want Andhra' is closely associated with the Andhra movement, which was a significant political and social movement in the early years of independent India. The movement aimed to create a separate state for the Telugu-speaking people, who were then part of the larger Madras State. The leader of this movement was Potti Sriramulu, a dedicated activist and freedom fighter who played a crucial role in the struggle for Andhra statehood.

Potti Sriramulu was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and was deeply committed to the cause of social justice and equality. He initiated a hunger strike in 1952 to demand the creation of a separate Andhra state. His prolonged fast, which lasted for 58 days, drew national attention to the Andhra cause. Unfortunately, Sriramulu died on December 15, 1952, due to his prolonged hunger strike, which further galvanized public support for the Andhra movement.

The government of India, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was compelled to respond to the widespread public outcry following Sriramulu's death. Consequently, the Andhra State was formed on October 1, 1953, as the first linguistic state in India. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the Indian statehood movement and set a precedent for the formation of other linguistic states in the country.

The slogan 'We want Andhra' encapsulates the aspirations and determination of the Telugu-speaking people to have their own state. It is a testament to the power of peaceful protest and the sacrifices made by leaders like Potti Sriramulu in the pursuit of their goals. The movement and the slogan are significant in the context of Indian history and the process of state formation in the post-independence era.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Gandhiji was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, but he did not come up with the slogan 'We want Andhra.' This option is incorrect because the slogan is specifically associated with the Andhra movement led by Potti Sriramulu.
  • Option B: Potti Sriramulu was the leader of the Andhra movement and is credited with the slogan 'We want Andhra.' This option is correct because his efforts and sacrifice were pivotal in the creation of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Option C: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a key figure in the drafting of the Indian Constitution and the champion of Dalit rights, but he did not come up with the slogan 'We want Andhra.' This option is incorrect as it does not pertain to the Andhra movement.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because Potti Sriramulu is the correct answer. The slogan 'We want Andhra' is directly associated with his efforts and the Andhra movement.

Mnemonic: Remember "Potti Sriramulu" for the Andhra slogan.

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