1. TRS Polit Bureau Meeting
- Convened to discuss KCR’s worsening health and plan the movement’s future course.
- 48-hour bandh was declared on 6th and 7th December 2009 to pressurize the state and central governments.
2. Support for the Bandh
- BJP, CPI, and New Democracy extended support to the bandh.
- Massive participation from students, employees, and the general public across Telangana.
- Telangana came to a standstill with unique protests such as:
- Pen-down strikes by government employees.
- Dhoom-Dham artists performing under trees at NIMS hospital.
3. Political Engagements
- Several politicians and intellectuals visited KCR at NIMS hospital.
- Telangana Congress ministers held a meeting in Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy’s chamber, deciding to write a letter to Sonia Gandhi supporting Telangana statehood.
- Rajya Sabha MP K. Kesava Rao met Pranab Mukherjee, emphasizing that KCR’s hunger strike had united the Telangana community.
4. State Cabinet’s Actions
- On 6th December 2009, the state cabinet passed a resolution to abolish Clause 14(F) and decided to withdraw all registered cases against KCR.
- TRS criticized the resolution, arguing that Clause 14(F) could only be abolished through a constitutional amendment by the central government.
- TRS also condemned the selective dismissal of cases against KCR, while ignoring cases filed against students.
5. Students’ Agitation and Police Brutality
- OU Students JAC announced a “Chalo Assembly” protest on 10th December 2009 against government inaction.
- On 7th December, police attacked hunger strike camps at Osmania University:
- Used tear gas and rubber bullets, injuring several students.
- Manikeshwar Nagar students and women from hostels were indiscriminately lathi-charged.
- Intellectuals and politicians supporting the students were arrested.
6. Central Government’s Response
- The central government, under immense pressure, directed CM Rosaiah to convene an all-party meeting on Telangana.
- Assembly winter sessions began on 7th December 2009, witnessing escalating protests.
This phase marked a critical turning point in the Telangana movement, as KCR’s hunger strike and student protests intensified pressure on the state and central governments, leading to significant political developments.
