BJP’s ‘Chalo Assembly’ over fee arrears: Errabelli Pradeep Rao placed under house arrest in Warangal

WARANGAL: Police placed BJP state leader and Warangal Urban Co-operative Bank chairman Errabelli Pradeep Rao under house arrest on Monday to prevent him from joining the party’s “Chalo Assembly” protest demanding immediate release of pending student fee reimbursement dues.

The protest was called by Telangana BJP president N. Ramachander Rao as part of a statewide agitation over alleged arrears in fee reimbursements and scholarships, which the party claims are affecting a large number of students and private colleges.

BJP’s allegations

BJP leaders allege that about ₹15,000 crore in fee reimbursement and scholarship dues are pending in Telangana, causing financial strain on students, parents and college managements. They say the delay is forcing some institutions to withhold certificates and creating difficulties for students seeking higher education and jobs.

In this context, the party announced a march towards the Assembly during its session, after police reportedly denied permission for a demonstration at Dharna Chowk. Several BJP and BJYM activists were detained in recent days while trying to submit petitions signed by a large number of students, according to party claims.

Action against Errabelli Pradeep Rao

As part of these restrictions, police prevented Pradeep Rao from leaving his residence to join the “Chalo Assembly” programme and placed him under house arrest, BJP leaders said.

Speaking to the media, Pradeep Rao criticised the move, saying that stopping leaders from peacefully protesting on student issues through pre-emptive arrests and house arrests curbs democratic rights. He reiterated the party’s demand that the government clear the pending fee reimbursement arrears immediately to relieve students, parents and colleges from mounting difficulties.

He added that the BJP would continue its agitation over student issues despite such restrictions and would keep pressing for what it calls students’ “legitimate rights.”

Context of the issue

The fee reimbursement backlog has become a major political flashpoint in Telangana, with opposition parties and private college associations holding protests and warning of further agitation if dues are not released. Leaders from other parties have also highlighted cases where students are not receiving certificates due to unpaid dues, adding pressure on the government.

The state government has not yet announced a specific timeline for clearing all pending amounts, even as protests by students, parties and college bodies intensify during the ongoing Assembly session.

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KOTHA RAMESH

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