Reorganisation of Travancore-Cochin State
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Reorganisation of Travancore-Cochin State took place under the leadership of Narayana Pillai. This reorganisation was also known as concept of Aikya Keralam.
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Narayana Pillai, the Chief Minister of Travancore, was very much interested in forming Aikya Keralam and tried to fulfil his desire as soon as he assumed power. The Dhar Commission had submitted a report on Reorganisation of States on language basis. The Commission suggested that if the reorganisation of Travancore Cochin State is considered then Calicut should also be merged to form Aikya Keralam. This suggestion of the Dhar Commission was a boon to the government's plans. The State Congress members Kelappan and Narayana Pillai and the Madras State Assembly members of Malabar and Palakkad region arranged for a Conference at Alwaye in February1949. The members of Travancore Tamil Nadu Congress were also invited to participate in the discussion. The convention witnessed a resolution which proposed to unite Travancore, Cochin and Calicut of the Madras State to form Aikya Keralam.
However, Pattom Thanu Pillai did argue that the unison would go against the Constitution and Tamil regions would starve. He was the only one to oppose. The leader representing Travancore Tamil Nadu Congress Nesamony did suggest to add the words "barring the Tamil Regions" at the beginning of the declaration. However, none of these suggestions were accepted. Narayana Pillai, Cochin Chief Minister Ikkanda Warriar and the Education Minister Madhava Menon of Madras State were serious regarding the reorganisation of Travancore Cochin State. Full support was provided by the Central Government to their efforts. The Raja of Cochin stepped down the throne on 1 July 1949. Travancore and Cochin were united. Travancore Raja became the head of Travancore Cochin State. The State Assemblies of both the states were merged together. This union witnessed a strong opposition by the Travancore Tamil Nadu congress.
Travancore-Cochin was finally created on 1st July 1949 by the merger of the kingdoms of Travancore and Cochin. Trivandrum was the capital and the Maharaja of Travancore was the head of the new State.
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