The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) experienced extensive demonstrations throughout Telangana on Sunday because the Special Investigation Team (SIT) interrogated party leader K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). The party members organized protests throughout multiple districts and different areas of Hyderabad to denounce what they referred to as a “vindictive approach” used by the state authorities.
People who supported BRS waited at roadside locations to see their leader KCR while he made his way to the SIT inquiry from his Eravelli farmhouse in Siddipet district. The protesters chanted against the Congress-led government while displaying black flags and wearing black badges to demonstrate their disapproval.
BRS members throughout the state and capital conducted protests which included displaying extensive flex banners that accused the government of pursuing political revenge. Protesters clashed with police personnel who had been assigned to maintain security at multiple sites during the demonstrations.
The youth wing leadership led by Shambhipur Raju organized a march toward Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s home which resulted in rising tensions. Police stopped the group near Telangana Bhavan to stop them from continuing their march.
BRSV president Gellu Srinivas Yadav led party student wing members who attempted to block access at the Ministers’ Quarters. Police arrested the student leaders before transporting them to Banjara Hills police station.
BRS leaders planned to burn a Chief Minister effigy outside the Secretariat on another occasion. The police personnel who were present at the scene quickly used fire extinguishers to put out the flames before they arrested the individuals who started the fire.
The police detained several senior party leaders about KCR’s inquiry including Rajiv Sagar and Manne Krishank. Police enforced restricted access to KCR’s residence because of three-tier security measures which prevented unauthorized visitors from entering the premises.
The protests demonstrated increasing political conflicts in the state because BRS leaders and members showed strong opposition to the SIT investigation which targeted the former chief minister.