Question

Which of the following political party led the movement for the formation of Punjabi Suba?

• A. Congress
• B. Lok Dal
• C. Akali Dal
• D. CPI

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

• The demand for the creation of a separate Punjabi Suba (Punjabi-speaking state) began in the early years after India’s independence.
• Akali Dal, a prominent Sikh political party, spearheaded this movement.
• The party aimed to preserve and promote the Punjabi language and Sikh religious and cultural identity.
• The Akali Dal argued that Punjabi-speaking people deserved a separate state, just like other linguistic communities after the reorganization of states in India (based on language).
• The Congress party and other national parties like CPI opposed the idea initially, fearing it might lead to religious division and weaken national unity.
• Despite this opposition, the Akali Dal continued with peaceful protests, satyagrahas, and political mobilization.
• Finally, in 1966, the Indian government accepted the demand and reorganized the state of Punjab.
• This reorganization led to the creation of three separate entities: Punjab (Punjabi-speaking), Haryana (Hindi-speaking), and the transfer of some hilly areas to Himachal Pradesh.

So, the correct ans is (C): Akali Dal.

Answer 2

The movement for the formation of Punjabi Suba (a Punjabi-speaking state) was primarily led by the Akali Dal. This political party, representing the Sikh community, campaigned for the linguistic reorganization of Punjab, which eventually led to the creation of the modern state of Punjab in 1966.

Additional Context:

• The movement gained momentum in the 1950s-60s.
• It resulted in the division of the earlier Punjab state into Punjab (Punjabi-speaking) and Haryana (Hindi-speaking).
• The central government accepted the demand after prolonged protests and the States Reorganization Commission's recommendations.