12 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Telangana's 'Jatipita' Controversy: Congress and BRS Clash Over Statehood Legacy

Political battle erupts in Telangana over who deserves 'Father of Telangana' title.

Photo by Dilip Poddar

A political controversy in Telangana revolves around who should be called 'Jatipita' (Father of Telangana). The Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leaders hailed K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) as Jatipita, which was contested by Chief Minister A.

Revanth Reddy, who criticized KCR's governance. Intellectuals suggest Professor K. Jayashankar is the principal ideologue of the Telangana statehood movement.

BRS defends honoring KCR, drawing parallels with Jharkhand's Shibu Soren. The controversy reflects present-day political positioning ahead of municipal elections, with public memory ultimately defining legacies.

Key Facts

The Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leaders hailed K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) as Jatipita.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy criticized KCR's governance and opposed the title of Jatipita for him.

Intellectuals suggest Professor K. Jayashankar is the principal ideologue of the Telangana statehood movement.

BRS defends honoring KCR, drawing parallels with Jharkhand's Shibu Soren.

The controversy reflects present-day political positioning between BRS and Congress.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 1 (History): Socio-political movements and their leaders

GS Paper 2 (Polity): State reorganization, constitutional provisions

GS Paper 4 (Ethics): Evaluating contributions of historical figures

Visual Insights

Telangana State: Key Locations in Statehood Movement

Map highlighting key locations associated with the Telangana statehood movement and current political figures.

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📍Telangana📍Hyderabad

More Information

Background

The concept of statehood in India is deeply rooted in its history and the process of federalism. The creation of new states often stems from linguistic, cultural, or administrative demands. The Indian Constitution, under Article 3, empowers the Parliament to form new states, alter areas, boundaries, or names of existing states. This power is, however, subject to certain procedures, including consulting the concerned state legislature. Historically, the reorganization of states has been a recurring theme. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956, based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission, marked a significant milestone. This act led to the creation of states primarily on linguistic lines. Subsequent state formations, such as the creation of Telangana in 2014, reflect the evolving socio-political landscape and the aspirations of regional identities. The demand for separate statehood often involves complex negotiations and political consensus. The role of key figures and ideologues in mobilizing public opinion and shaping the discourse is crucial. These figures often become symbols of the statehood movement, and their contributions are recognized in various ways, including through titles and memorials. The process also involves navigating constitutional and legal frameworks to ensure a smooth transition and integration of the new state into the Indian Union. The debate over who should be credited as the 'father' of a state highlights the importance of historical narratives and political legacies. Different political parties and groups may have varying perspectives on the contributions of individuals and their significance in the statehood movement. This often leads to controversies and debates, reflecting the ongoing contestation over historical interpretation and political positioning.

Latest Developments

Recent political discourse in Telangana reflects a broader trend of re-evaluating historical contributions and legacies. The debate over who should be considered the 'Jatipita' is not unique to Telangana; similar discussions have occurred in other states as well. This often involves comparing the contributions of different leaders and their impact on the statehood movement. The upcoming municipal elections in Telangana add another layer of complexity to the situation. Political parties are using these debates to mobilize their supporters and gain an advantage in the elections. The focus on historical figures and their legacies serves as a way to connect with voters and reinforce their political identity. This also highlights the importance of public memory and how it shapes political narratives. Looking ahead, the debate over historical legacies is likely to continue, especially as Telangana approaches significant milestones in its statehood journey. The role of intellectuals and historians in providing a balanced and nuanced perspective will be crucial. It is also important to consider the perspectives of different communities and groups within the state to ensure that the historical narrative is inclusive and representative. The Election Commission of India's role in ensuring fair elections is also crucial in such a politically charged environment. Furthermore, the comparison with Jharkhand's Shibu Soren raises questions about the criteria used to honor leaders and their contributions to statehood movements. This highlights the need for a broader discussion on how historical figures are recognized and remembered in India's political landscape. The President of India's assent to state formation bills is a crucial step in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts related to the 'Jatipita' controversy in Telangana that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that the controversy revolves around who should be called 'Jatipita' (Father of Telangana). Key facts include: KCR being hailed as 'Jatipita' by BRS, Revanth Reddy's opposition, and the suggestion that Professor K. Jayashankar was the principal ideologue of the Telangana statehood movement. Also, note the political positioning between BRS and Congress.

Exam Tip

Focus on the personalities involved (KCR, Revanth Reddy, K. Jayashankar) and the political context.

2. What is the historical background to the creation of Telangana, and how does it relate to the current 'Jatipita' controversy?

The creation of Telangana in 2014 stemmed from a long statehood movement. The current 'Jatipita' controversy is linked because it questions who should be credited as the primary figure behind achieving statehood. The debate reflects differing perspectives on leadership and contributions to the movement.

3. Why is the 'Jatipita' controversy in Telangana in the news recently?

The 'Jatipita' controversy is in the news due to the political clash between the ruling Congress and the BRS. BRS leaders hailing KCR as 'Jatipita' has been contested by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. This reflects present-day political positioning ahead of municipal elections.

4. How does the debate over 'Jatipita' in Telangana reflect broader issues of political legacy and public memory?

The debate highlights how political legacies are constructed and contested. Public memory plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of leaders and their contributions. The controversy demonstrates how different political groups attempt to define and control the narrative of the statehood movement for their own political advantage.

5. What are the key arguments for and against KCR being called the 'Jatipita' of Telangana?

Arguments for include KCR's leadership in the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and his role in leading the statehood movement. Arguments against include criticism of his governance and the suggestion that other figures, like Professor K. Jayashankar, were more central to the movement's ideology.

Exam Tip

For Mains, consider the perspectives of different stakeholders (BRS, Congress, intellectuals).

6. How does Article 3 of the Indian Constitution relate to the formation of Telangana, and what is its significance?

Article 3 empowers the Parliament to form new states, alter areas, boundaries, or names of existing states. This article provided the constitutional basis for the creation of Telangana in 2014. It highlights the power of the Union government in reorganizing states within the Indian federation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Article 3 of the Indian Constitution: 1. It empowers the Parliament to form new states and alter the boundaries of existing states. 2. A bill proposing changes under Article 3 requires the prior recommendation of the President. 3. The concerned state legislature's consent is mandatory for any alteration of its boundaries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 3 of the Indian Constitution indeed empowers the Parliament to form new states and alter the boundaries of existing states. Statement 2 is CORRECT: A bill proposing changes under Article 3 requires the prior recommendation of the President. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The concerned state legislature's consent is NOT mandatory. The President refers the bill to the state legislature for its views, but Parliament is not bound by those views. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

2. Which of the following committees/commissions is associated with the reorganization of states in India? 1. Sarkaria Commission 2. States Reorganisation Commission 3. National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.2 and 3 only

Show Answer

Answer: B

The States Reorganisation Commission (1953) was specifically established to recommend the reorganization of states in India. The Sarkaria Commission (1983) dealt with Centre-State relations, and the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000) examined the overall functioning of the Constitution, but neither was directly focused on state reorganization in the same way as the States Reorganisation Commission.

3. In the context of the recent controversy in Telangana, who is primarily credited by intellectuals as the principal ideologue of the Telangana statehood movement?

A.K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR)
B.A. Revanth Reddy
C.Professor K. Jayashankar
D.Shibu Soren

Show Answer

Answer: C

According to the news summary, intellectuals suggest that Professor K. Jayashankar is the principal ideologue of the Telangana statehood movement. While KCR played a significant political role, the intellectual foundation is attributed to Professor Jayashankar.