Konda Laxman Bapuji (27 September 1915 – 21 September 2012) was an Indian freedom fighter who participated in the Telangana Rebellion and Telangana activist.[1][2][3][4] He fought for the statehood of Telangana all his life.
Konda Lakshman Bapuji | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 September 1915 Wankidi, Asifabad district, Telangana State |
| Died | 21 September 2012 (aged 96) Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh |
| Spouse | Dr. Konda Shakunthala Devi |
| Children | 2 sons & 1 daughter |
| Residence(s) | Jaladhrushyam, Hyderabad |
| Website | www.kondalaxmanbapuji.com |
Early life
editBapuji was born in Wankidi village, Komaram Bheem district (erstwhile Adilabad district), Hyderabad State (now in Telangana) in a Padmashali community.[5][6][7]
Career
editBapuji met Mahatma Gandhi in 1941 and inspired by him, he participated in the Quit India movement in 1942.
He also waged battle against the Nizam and the Razaakars during the Telangana armed struggle in 1947-48.
Telangana movement (1952 - 1969)
editHe participated in the 1952 Non-mulki agitation. He was the first minister in Congress government to resign from his post for Telangana cause on 29 March 1969, and then participated to give impetus to the 1969 Telangana Agitation.
Political life
editHe was first elected as MLA from Asifabad constituency in 1952. In 1957, Asifabad became a reserved constituency, so he shifted to Nalgonda district which had large number of Padmashali population. He won from Chinna Kondur (later renamed as Bhongir) constituency in 1957 and served as deputy speaker from 1957 to 1960 and as minister from 1960 to 1962.
He unsuccessfully contested as MLA from Munugodu constituency in 1962 but later on served as MLA and minister (1967–69) for two terms from Bhongir assembly constituency (1967–72, 1972–78).
Because of his capabilities, straightforward nature and the clean image he was frontrunner for the CM post on two occasions. It was a well-known fact that due to caste equation and internal politics within the Congress he missed the bus. Unhappy with the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s opposition to the Mandal commission recommendations, he resigned from the primary membership of the Congress in 1987.
Telangana movement (2008 - 2012)
editHe was a member of Telangana Sadhana Samithi.[8] He announced, "We solemnly declare statehood for Telangana on November 2, 2008."[9]
Unlike most leaders from Telangana region, Konda Lakshman Bapuji had the courage to sacrifice and remained out of power for four decades to achieve Telangana statehood.[10]
He was instrumental in forming Akhila Bharat padmashali sangam at Hyderabad.[11]
Honour
editIn 2014, the horticulture university in Hyderabad was named, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, by the Government of Telangana in his honour.
His birthday is celebrated officially by the government of Telangana.
Death
editHe died on 21 September 2012 at his residence, Jala Dhrushyam, in Hyderabad.[12][13]
Personal life
editHe was married to Shankuntala Devi and has two sons and a daughter.
References
edit- ^ "Konda Laxman Bapuji History & unknown Facts". TSO. 21 September 2017.
- ^ "1969 stir veteran on yatra for T". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011.
- ^ "'Khazana building' proposed for Telangana museum". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 31 August 2009. Archived from the original on 3 September 2009.
- ^ The Hindu
- ^ "KCR unveils Konda Lakshman Bapuji's statue at Padmashali Bhavan". The Hans India. 27 September 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
- ^ Census of India, 1971: Series 1: India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. p. 198.
- ^ "Konda Laxman Bapuji – The Torchbearer of Telangana". ExploreTelangana. 29 September 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
- ^ "TRCCC rejects 2nd SRC proposal". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 9 September 2007. Archived from the original on 15 September 2007.
- ^ Goud declares Telangana separate state
- ^ "Betrayal of Telangana By Its Own Leaders, Creation of Telangana". The Hans India. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ K. Kasturi, Suman (27 September 2014). "Konda Lakshman Bapuji remembered on his 99th birth anniversary". The Hans India. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "Telangana-torchbearer Konda Lakshman passes away". The Times of India. 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 9 October 2012.
- ^ "Konda Laxman Bapuji cremated". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2012.