Congress Has Double Standards on Student Protests, Says Ramachander Rao

Telangana BJP president N. Ramachander Rao has accused the Congress and the INDIA bloc of adopting a “double standard” on student protests, alleging that they selectively support student movements for political gain.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Rao cited the ongoing protests in Jharkhand, where students are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination and a review of examinations conducted through private agencies. He alleged that Congress leaders were ignoring student agitations in Jharkhand and Kerala while attempting to turn issues into political campaigns in Delhi.

Rao also criticised foreign governments for commenting on India’s internal affairs in connection with the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, 2026. He said countries such as the United States should refrain from intervening in matters concerning India’s domestic legislation, asserting that such comments could raise questions about the country’s sovereignty.

Rao had earlier said on Friday that the BJP would contest the upcoming Hyderabad municipal elections independently, without an alliance. He made the announcement after a review meeting of Telangana BJP leaders chaired by party national president Nitin Nabin in Delhi.

According to Rao, Nabin directed the state unit to remain focused on public issues and strengthen its grassroots presence. Rao expressed confidence that the BJP would form the government in Telangana in the 2028 Assembly elections, pointing to the party’s performance in the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

He said the party would also intensify its outreach through padayatras and bus yatras, while targeting victory in the two upcoming MLC elections.

The civic poll preparations come after the government reorganised the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation on February 11, 2026, into three municipal corporations—Greater Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Malkajgiri. The previous GHMC council’s term ended on February 10, with elections to the three new corporations expected later this year.