KTR Chooses NEET Protest Over Birthday Celebrations in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KT Rama Rao has decided to set aside celebrations for his 50th birthday and instead participate in a student-led protest in Hyderabad over the alleged NEET paper leak and the reported police action against demonstrators in Delhi.
The former Telangana minister announced that he would join a protest organised by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi Vidyarthi, the BRS student wing, at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park on Friday, July 24. The programme is scheduled to begin at 10 am.
In a social media statement, KTR said he was extending his support to students and young people who had raised concerns over the examination controversy. He also appealed to students, senior citizens and others who support the democratic right to protest to participate in the Hyderabad demonstration.
KTR said the voices of young people should not be suppressed through the use of force. His announcement linked the Hyderabad protest with demonstrations in Delhi, where student groups had accused police of using force during a march connected to demands over NEET and broader education-sector reforms.
The decision gives a political dimension to KTR’s milestone birthday, shifting the focus from personal celebrations to student issues. The BRS leader has sought to position the protest as an expression of solidarity with aspirants who say examination irregularities and administrative failures have damaged confidence in the education system.
Student demonstrations intensify in Hyderabad
The announcement comes amid a series of student-led demonstrations in Hyderabad.
On Thursday, members associated with the Telangana Rakshana Sena attempted to hold a hunger strike at Osmania University in support of NEET aspirants. According to an Osmania University Police official cited by the publication, seven members of the group were detained for conducting a protest without permission.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show police detaining participants during the programme. Separately, women’s and transgender organisations under a joint action committee also organised a demonstration at Dharna Chowk over the NEET controversy.
Earlier, student and youth organisations held a protest at People’s Plaza in Hyderabad against the reported treatment of demonstrators during a “Chalo Sansad” march in Delhi. The Hyderabad programme featured protest songs, poetry, placards and speeches demanding accountability over examination-related allegations.
Participants also called for changes to the education system and demanded action against those responsible for any confirmed irregularities. Some organisations have sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while also calling for wider reforms and measures to address unemployment.
Political focus shifts to student concerns
KTR’s participation is likely to increase the political visibility of the Hyderabad protest. As working president of the principal opposition party in Telangana, his presence may also sharpen criticism of the Union government’s handling of student demonstrations and examination-related complaints.
However, allegations concerning examination misconduct and police action remain subject to official findings, court proceedings and responses from the authorities concerned.
The BRSV protest is expected to draw students, party workers and supporters to Dharna Chowk on Friday. Security arrangements and possible traffic restrictions around Indira Park may depend on the scale of participation.
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