Telangana BJP Chief Detained Amid Escalating Clashes With Congress Workers

Political tensions in Telangana have escalated sharply following a series of alleged attacks and counter-attacks involving workers of the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. The clashes, reported in Hyderabad and Nalgonda, have prompted the BJP to demand a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incidents.

According to the BJP, Youth Congress activists attacked the party's state office in Hyderabad. In a separate incident, around 50 persons allegedly targeted the BJP's Nalgonda district office using stones, sticks, and other objects. The party also alleged that the residence of its district president, Nagam Varshit Reddy, was ransacked, with household articles damaged and his mother assaulted and injured.

Adding to the tension, the BJP claimed that a portrait of Sant Ravidas was smeared with a black substance, an act it said hurt the sentiments of the Dalit community. The party has urged authorities to register cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act if the investigation establishes its applicability.

BJP leaders have submitted a representation to the Telangana Director General of Police, seeking a probe into the attacks on the state office, the district office, and the residence of Varshit Reddy. They have also demanded the preservation of CCTV footage, photographs, and videos, along with the identification of all those involved and prosecution under applicable laws.

The political row intensified when Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao was placed under house arrest and later detained as he planned to travel to Nalgonda to meet Varshit Reddy and his family. BJP national president Nitin Nabin condemned the detention, alleging that the administration remained inactive when Congress workers attacked BJP leaders but acted against BJP leaders visiting the alleged victims.

"When Congress goons attack, the administration stays idle. When BJP leaders visit victims, the Congress administration arrests our leaders," Nabin said, adding that Rahul Gandhi's lectures on the Constitution are a "complete sham" and that Telangana will answer this "dictatorial mindset."

The BJP has also sought a separate investigation into the alleged assault on Varshit Reddy's mother and the desecration of the Sant Ravidas portrait. It has demanded an impartial probe into allegations involving public representatives, including MLC Shankar Naik, and adequate security for BJP offices, leaders, and workers.

Police have deployed additional personnel at sensitive locations to prevent further clashes.