Mulki Agitation – 1952The Mulki Agitation of 1952 emerged as a response to growing resentment among the local Telangana population over the violation of Mulki rules and the increasing presence of non-Mulkis in government jobs. The Burgula Ramakrishna Rao government faced severe criticism for its inability to curb this issue, leading to widespread protests and student movements.

Course of Events

Increased Local Insecurity and Origin of the Gair Mulki Movement (1952)

The agitation began due to insecurity among Telangana employees and youth, who felt marginalized by the growing presence of non-Mulkis in government jobs. This led to the birth of the Gair Mulki Movement in 1952, particularly in Warangal.

Debate in the Hyderabad Legislative Assembly (June 1952)

The Hyderabad Legislative Assembly witnessed heated debates over non-Mulki appointments. On June 11, 1952, MLA Venkata Ramarao questioned the delay in repatriating Madras police and other non-Mulkis from government positions. Other legislators, including Rajaram, Pratap Reddy, Guravareddy, and G. Hanumantha Rao, also raised concerns.

Chief Minister’s Response

Burgula Ramakrishna Rao defended the non-Mulki appointments, citing instability in the state and a lack of local candidates for critical roles. He specifically mentioned the shortage of local assistant agricultural officers and teachers, which forced the government to hire non-Mulkis in these sectors.

Parthasarathi’s Controversial Actions in Warangal

The agitation intensified in Warangal district following the harsh administrative actions of Parthasarathi, the Divisional Inspector of Schools. His measures included:

• Transferring 18 teachers from Hanamkonda Central Middle School.
• Stopping salary increments for Mulki teachers.
• Replacing 180 Mulki teachers with non-Mulkis in June-July 1952.
• The death of Principal Rasheed-Al-Hassan due to stress from administrative harassment.

These actions led to mass protests, with local politician Hayagreevachari and affected teachers lodging complaints against Parthasarathi.

Warangal Student Rally and Formation of the Student Joint Action Committee (July 1952)

On July 26, 1952, 4,000 students in Warangal held a rally from Hanmakonda Chowrasta to Subedari, demanding action against non-Mulki appointments.On July 28, 1952, students from colleges and schools in Warangal formed the Student Joint Action Committee, electing Buchayya as the convener. The committee passed key resolutions:

• A cabinet sub-committee should examine Mulki rules.
• Government jobs should be allocated strictly as per Mulki regulations.
• The dominance of non-Mulkis in government offices should be eliminated.

On August 6, 1952, the Student Joint Action Committee met Chief Minister Burgula Ramakrishna Rao in Hyderabad to press their demands.

Escalation of the Agitation in Hyderabad

Student Protests and Lathi Charges (August 1952)

On August 28 and 30, 1952, students organized rallies, which led to police using lathi charges, injuring several protestors.

Spread of the Mulki Movement to Hyderabad

The movement expanded to Hyderabad, with students calling for a bandh on August 26, 1952. The first major public meeting on the Mulki issue was held on August 27, 1952, chaired by Secunderabad Mayor Dr. Timmaraju.

Key events in Hyderabad included:

• August 27, 1952 – Student rally from Chaderghat to Badruka College and a separate gathering at Nizam College grounds.
• August 31, 1952 – A major strike condemning the Hanamkonda lathi charge, with rallies from Saifabad College to Abids.
• September 1, 1952 – No strikes were held due to Bakrid celebrations.
• September 2, 1952 – Protests resumed, with rallies and strikes in Hyderabad, Warangal, and other districts.

During these protests, students chanted slogans such as:

• “Idli sambar go back”
• “Non-Mulki go back”
• “Student union Zindabad”

Formation of Hyderabad Hitha Rakshana Samithi (August 15, 1952)

On August 15, 1952, Chincholi MLA G. Ramachari established the Hyderabad Hitha Rakshana Samithi, an organization aimed at protecting local interests against non-Mulkis. Ramachari, a former minister in the Laik Ali cabinet of the Nizam, played a crucial role in mobilizing public support for the Mulki cause.