Concept:The demand for linguistic states intensified because the Congress had promised linguistic provinces in the 1920s but delayed action after independence, while linguistic groups like Kannada and Telugu speakers were eager and protests emerged.
Explanation:Statement A is correct. In the 1920s, Congress promised that each major linguistic group would have its own province after independence. This promise raised expectations.
Statement B is correct. After independence, Congress did not take steps to honour that promise. Nehru and others feared disunity. This delay increased frustration and strengthened the demand.
Statement C is correct. Kannada and Telugu speakers eagerly wanted their own states. The strongest protest came from Tamil speakers living in Telugu-speaking districts. This showed deep linguistic sentiments.
Statement D is incorrect. Nehru and Patel were cautious but not absolutely against linguistic states. They later supported states like Andhra Pradesh after sustained protests.
Therefore, only statements A, B, and C are correct.
Answer:Only A, B, and C (Option 4).