History of Modern Chhattisgarh after Independence | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Early Demands for a Separate State

• The demand for a separate state of Chhattisgarh has a history dating back to the early 20th century. The first formal demand was made in the early 1920s. Over the decades, similar demands surfaced periodically, reflecting a persistent desire for regional autonomy. However, these early efforts lacked a cohesive and organized movement. Instead, they were sporadic and typically manifested through individual efforts or smaller groups expressing the region's distinct identity and the perceived marginalization within the larger framework of Madhya Pradesh.
• In 1924, the Raipur Congress unit officially raised the demand for a separate Chhattisgarh state. This demand was later discussed at the Annual Session of the Indian National Congress held at Tripuri. The idea of forming a Regional Congress organization specifically for Chhattisgarh was also considered, but concrete steps towards statehood remained elusive.

Post-Independence Efforts and the Role of the State Reorganization Commission

• In the years following India's independence, the call for a separate Chhattisgarh continued to be voiced, albeit sporadically. In 1955, the demand was raised during a session of the Nagpur Assembly in the then state of Madhya Bharat. 
• The creation of the State Reorganisation Commission in 1954 provided a formal platform for the demand, but the Commission ultimately rejected the proposal. The decision was based on the belief that the prosperity of Chhattisgarh could help balance the economic disparities in other regions of Madhya Pradesh.

The 1980s and 1990s: Revival of the Movement

• The 1980s were relatively quiet in terms of activism for a separate Chhattisgarh state. However, the movement gained renewed momentum in the 1990s. A significant development during this period was the formation of the Chhattisgarh Rajya Nirman Manch, a state-wide political forum led by the late Chandulal Chadrakar. This forum organized several successful region-wide strikes (bandhs) and rallies, which were supported by major political parties, including the Congress and the BJP.
• The first significant institutional step towards the creation of Chhattisgarh was taken by the Congress Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1994. On March 18, 1994, a resolution demanding a separate state was tabled and unanimously approved by the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. This resolution had the support of both the Congress and the BJP, and the demand for statehood was prominently featured in their election manifestos for the 1998 and 1999 parliamentary elections, as well as the 1998 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election.

Legislative Process and Creation of Chhattisgarh

• In 1998, the BJP-led Union Government drafted a bill for the creation of a separate state of Chhattisgarh, comprising sixteen districts of Madhya Pradesh. This draft bill was sent to the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, where it was unanimously approved, albeit with certain modifications. However, the Union Government did not survive long enough to see the bill through, leading to fresh elections.
• The new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government redrafted and reintroduced the Separate Chhattisgarh Bill. It was once again unanimously approved by the Madhya Pradesh Assembly and subsequently tabled in the Lok Sabha. The bill was passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, leading to the President of India giving his consent to The Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, on August 25, 2000.
• Following the President's approval, November 1, 2000, was designated as the day on which the state of Madhya Pradesh would be bifurcated to create the new state of Chhattisgarh. The process was remarkably peaceful, reflecting the political maturity of the region and the consensus that had been built around the need for a separate state.

Factors Leading to the Creation of Chhattisgarh

• The creation of Chhattisgarh was not the result of a single factor but rather a complex interplay of cultural, social, economic, and political elements. The movement for statehood was influenced by the simultaneous demands for separate states in Uttarakhand and Jharkhand, which created a conducive environment for Chhattisgarh's demand to be addressed.
• Chhattisgarh's distinct socio-cultural identity, which had evolved over centuries, played a crucial role in the movement. There was a widespread consensus within and outside Chhattisgarh regarding its distinctiveness, and this consensus cut across geographical regions, castes, classes, and political parties. This broad-based agreement was reflected in the unanimous passage of the Chhattisgarh bill in the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, symbolizing the maturity of Madhya Pradesh's polity.

Evolution of Chhattisgarh Identity

• The identity of Chhattisgarh has been shaped by a complex and multilayered process over many decades. The region's rich cultural, historical, social, and economic tapestry contributed to the development of a unique Chhattisgarh ethos. Various political and non-political organizations, such as the Chhattisgarh Samaj and the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha (CMM), played pivotal roles in fostering regional consciousness and advocating for the region's rights.
• The Chhattisgarh Samaj, for example, has been actively promoting the Chhattisgarhi language and culture through publications and social activities. The CMM, on the other hand, evolved from a trade union movement to a broader struggle against exploitation, linking the region's economic struggles to its suppressed cultural identity.

The Formation of Chhattisgarh as a State

• Ultimately, the identity of Chhattisgarh cannot be separated from its people. The movement for statehood was an expression of the region's distinct identity, which became more pronounced in times of adversity and protest against exploitation. The inclusive nature of Chhattisgarh's identity, which respects and preserves the plurality of customs, traditions, and cultures, remains a defining feature of the state.
• On November 1, 2000, Chhattisgarh was officially formed as a separate state from Madhya Pradesh, bordered by Jharkhand to the south and east, Orissa to the east, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra to the west, Uttar Pradesh and Western Jharkhand to the north, and Andhra Pradesh to the south. In terms of area, Chhattisgarh is the ninth-largest state in India, while population-wise, it ranks seventeenth.
• The creation of Chhattisgarh stands as a testament to the power of democratic processes, regional identity, and the will of the people, culminating in the peaceful and unanimous formation of a new state.