CityLightBuzz: Warangal: Former Telangana Minister and BRS Legislature Party Deputy Floor Leader T. Harish Rao strongly condemned his arrest by police while he was on his way to extend support to students protesting at the Government Polytechnic College in Warangal.
Harish Rao was reportedly taken into custody and shifted to the Subedari Police Station. Speaking to the media at the police station, he criticised the Congress government and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over the handling of the ongoing protests by polytechnic students.
“Are Polytechnic Students Terrorists?”
Harish Rao alleged that the government was using police force, arrests and cases to suppress students who were protesting against the proposed merger of government polytechnic colleges with the Skill University.
“Are these students terrorists or anti-social elements? They are only fighting to protect their future and demanding that polytechnic education should not be merged with the Skill University,” he said.
He alleged that students were facing cases and physical force while exercising their right to protest.
Harish Rao questioned why he was arrested for attempting to meet the protesting students and listen to their grievances.
Opposition to GO No. 97
The BRS leader reiterated his demand for the immediate withdrawal of GO No. 97, arguing that the proposed integration of government polytechnic colleges with the Skill University could affect students’ educational and career opportunities.
He claimed that the Skill University was established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and alleged that transferring government polytechnic colleges to it would effectively lead to their privatisation.
According to Harish Rao, students currently pay approximately ₹5,000 per year, or ₹15,000 over three years, for their polytechnic education. He expressed concern that fees could increase substantially if the institutions were brought under a private or PPP structure.
Concern Over Lateral Entry Opportunities
Harish Rao also raised concerns over the future of diploma students pursuing engineering education.
He said polytechnic students currently have the opportunity to enter the second year of engineering through lateral entry, based on their diploma qualifications and applicable regulatory approvals.
He alleged that merging polytechnic education with the Skill University could affect this opportunity and create uncertainty for students.
“Students Are Opposing the Merger”
Harish Rao claimed that students across Telangana were strongly opposing the proposed merger.
He alleged that the situation had already created anxiety among students and parents at the Warangal Government Polytechnic College, claiming that some parents had taken Transfer Certificates for their children due to concerns about their educational future.
He demanded that the government withdraw GO No. 97 and continue polytechnic education under the existing government system.
Questions Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi
Harish Rao questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy over the government’s decision and asked whether any student or parent had formally demanded that government polytechnic colleges be transferred to the Skill University.
He also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking why he had not visited Telangana to meet students, unemployed youth and farmers who were protesting over various issues.
“Is there one policy for Delhi and another for Telangana?” Harish Rao asked, urging Rahul Gandhi to visit Telangana and interact directly with protesting polytechnic students.
Alleged Restrictions on Students
Harish Rao alleged that authorities had imposed restrictions on students at the Warangal Polytechnic College when BRS leaders planned to visit the campus.
He claimed that the college was locked and that the mess was shut, preventing students from receiving their regular meals.
He questioned whether such measures were consistent with the Congress government’s claims of providing “people’s governance”.
Condemns Police Action
Harish Rao also referred to alleged incidents involving police action against protesting students in Mahabubabad and Suryapet.
He alleged that a police officer had held the throat of a polytechnic student in Mahabubabad and that students faced lathi-charge in Suryapet.
He questioned the Director General of Police (DGP) over the alleged incidents and demanded action against police personnel if wrongdoing was established.
“Opposition Has the Right to Question the Government”
Harish Rao also criticised the government over pending issues concerning employees, including Dearness Allowances (DAs), Pay Revision Commission (PRC) and health insurance, among others.
He alleged that whenever the opposition questioned government failures, its leaders were being arrested or booked in cases.
“Does the opposition not have the right to question the government in a democracy?” he asked.
Harish Rao warned that continued suppression of students and opposition leaders could lead to stronger public protests.
He reiterated that the BRS would continue supporting polytechnic students and demanded that the government immediately withdraw GO No. 97 and retain polytechnic education under government contro
