Read the following statements and mark the correct option:
Assertion (A): Potti Sriramulu fasted unto death for the formation of Andhra Pradesh.
Reason (R): His death marked the beginning of linguistic state formation in India.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Potti Sriramulu, a Gandhian activist, undertook a fast unto death in 1952 demanding a separate state for Telugu speakers. His tragic passing after 56 days sparked widespread protests, forcing the Indian government to create Andhra State in 1953. This event served as a major turning point, compelling the government to appoint the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC). Consequently, it paved the way for the nationwide reorganization of states based on linguistic lines, making his sacrifice the foundational trigger for this policy.