In a move that’s sent shockwaves through Telangana’s political landscape, state BJP chief N. Ramchander Rao was placed under detention by police on Sunday. The action unfolded as he prepared to journey to Banswada, Kamareddy, where communal violence erupted two days prior, fueling outrage among party ranks.
House-bound since Saturday evening, Rao’s Sunday bid to reach the flashpoint area was thwarted decisively. Outside his Taranaka home, BJP supporters voiced fierce opposition, leading to arrests of agitators. Rao himself was transported to Bollaram police station under tight vigil.
Pre-detention, Rao told media he was heading to back MLA K. Venkata Ramana Reddy, victim of a purported attack. He charged that 100 BJP volunteers were jailed during Banswada’s bandh by Hindu outfits. Post-arrest social media posts from Rao painted a grim picture: ‘Emergency-like conditions prevail; speaking for oppressed Hindus is now a crime in Congress-ruled Telangana.’
The clashes originated Friday when a man took umbrage at religious tunes in a local supermarket. An alleged beating by employees snowballed into inter-community brawls, with stones hurled and two policemen injured. Reinforcements flooded the area, resulting in 12 arrests under anti-riot laws.
Critics slam the detention as evidence of authoritarian overreach, while the government insists it’s to avert further unrest. As accusations fly, this episode risks polarizing Telangana further, testing the Congress administration’s crisis management mettle.