Telangana BJP chief N. Ramchander Rao began a 48‑hour hunger strike demanding the immediate release of roughly ₹15,000 crore in fee reimbursement owed to over 40 lakh students. He blamed the Congress government and the chief minister’s education policies for the crisis.

  • BJP initiates 48‑hour hunger strike
  • Pending reimbursement: ~₹15,000 crore
  • Impact on ~4 million students

Telangana’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president N. Ramchander Rao launched a two‑day hunger strike on Monday, urging the state’s Congress government to release the long‑pending fee‑reimbursement dues of approximately ₹15,000 crore. The protest, staged at the BJP state office in Hyderabad, is intended to force a swift resolution and highlight what Rao describes as “authoritarian” handling of the education sector.

Rao directly challenged senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking him to travel to Telangana and answer for the reimbursement delay if he has the courage. He also lambasted Chief Minister A. Revant Reddy—who also holds the education portfolio—for steering the state’s education system into a “severe crisis”.

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Despite a High Court admonition, the government has failed to release even the promised ₹2,000 crore advance for the next academic year. The unpaid dues have crippled students in professional and higher‑education institutions, while Ayurveda and Homeopathy students continue to demand higher stipends.

The BJP claims its cadres have canvassed colleges across Telangana, collecting signatures from nearly five lakh students dissatisfied with the Congress administration’s inaction. Rao further accused police of lathi‑charging polytechnic students who raised grievances, and of ignoring protests by health‑science students.

Senior BJP figures—including MP Rekha Sharma, BJP Legislative Party leader Aleti Maheshwar Reddy, and several MLAs and MLCs—have voiced support for the fast, labeling the government’s approach as “negligent” and “politically motivated”.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the prolonged delay in fee reimbursement not only jeopardizes the academic progress of millions but also fuels political polarization ahead of the upcoming state elections. The BJP’s hunger strike could reshape voter sentiment, especially among the youth, and pressure the incumbent government to prioritize education financing.

"Investing in education is the cornerstone of a state's development; postponing it fuels social unrest," said a political analyst.
Did You Know?: Telangana’s education budget grew by only 4% between 2019‑2024, half the national average of 8%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the main reason for the delay in fee reimbursements?
A: Prioritisation gaps in the state’s fiscal planning and bureaucratic bottlenecks are cited as primary causes.

Q2: What actions will the BJP take if the dues are not released after the fast?
A: Rao warned that the party will continue agitations, including larger rallies and possible legal petitions, until the funds are disbursed.