Post-Police Action Administration (1948-1949)
Following the Police Action of September 1948, Major General J.N. Chaudhuri took charge of the administration in Hyderabad State from September 19, 1948, to December 1, 1949. Many local Mulkis, particularly from the Hindu community, anticipated increased employment opportunities under the new Military Government. However, government jobs were predominantly filled by individuals from other Indian states, such as Madras, Bombay, and Central Provinces, citing their proficiency in English as a qualification, thereby sidelining local aspirants.
Targeted Removal of Muslim Officials
The Military Government systematically removed high-ranking Muslim officials from key administrative positions, including Chief Secretary, Engineer-in-Chief, and Directors of major departments. There was an explicit effort to reduce Muslim representation in the civil services, with Muslim judges being forced to retire or transferred out of Hyderabad unless they resigned. This deliberate action created resentment and a significant demographic shift in government employment.
Vellodi Administration and Nehru’s Intervention (1950)
With the appointment of M.K. Vellodi as Chief Minister in 1950, the exclusion of Muslims from government services continued. Recognizing the implications of this discrimination, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru intervened. In a letter dated December 23, 1950, Nehru expressed concerns over the mistreatment of Muslim civil servants and urged that such discriminatory practices be halted to avoid fostering religious animosity. However, despite Nehru’s concerns, the policies remained largely unchanged, leading to further marginalization of Muslims in governance.
Language and Cultural Shifts
One of the most significant changes imposed by the new administration was the replacement of Urdu with English as the official language and the medium of instruction at Osmania University. This shift alienated those educated in Urdu, particularly the local Muslim population, and resulted in their exclusion from bureaucratic and academic roles. The forced transition from Urdu to English mirrored an earlier shift from Persian to Urdu during the reign of Salar Jung II, intensifying the cultural and identity crisis faced by the people of Hyderabad.
Appointment of Non-Mulkis in Government Jobs
Between 1946 and 1948, approximately 50,000 Muslims—most of whom were non-natives—were appointed in critical departments such as Military, Police, and Excise. However, after Police Action, many of these officials were dismissed, and their positions were filled by 7,000 to 8,000 Non-Mulkis, including 3,111 from Andhra. This influx of outsiders further diminished the influence of locals in government administration. Additionally, these Non-Mulkis often demeaned the local Telangana people, stereotyping their language and cultural practices, which exacerbated regional tensions.
K.V. Ranga Reddy’s Advocacy for Mulki Rights
Recognizing the growing injustice against Telangana natives, K.V. Ranga Reddy emerged as a key advocate for the strict enforcement of Mulki rules. During Congress Party meetings from January 23-25, 1950, he demanded:
- A fixed timeline for the removal of Non-Mulki employees.
- Prioritization of local Mulkis in government employment.