BJP's N. Ramchander Rao Seeks Immediate Release of ₹12,000 Crore Fee Reimbursement Dues

BJP Telangana President N. Ramchander Rao on Sunday demanded the immediate release of ₹12,000 crore in pending fee reimbursement dues, asserting that if the Telangana government was unable to clear the backlog, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy should step down from handling the Education Department.

Ramchander Rao alleged that the prolonged delay in releasing the funds had affected nearly 20 lakh students across the state. According to him, several educational institutions have withheld students' certificates due to the pending reimbursements, creating uncertainty over their academic and career prospects. He warned that the Congress government would face widespread public resentment if it continued to ignore the issue instead of resolving it on priority.

The BJP leader also criticized the Chief Minister for leading a candlelight rally over the NEET controversy on Saturday night. He argued that the state government should first address the problems directly affecting Telangana students before engaging in symbolic protests over national issues.

Referring to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the wake of the NEET question paper leak controversy, Ramchander Rao claimed the BJP had demonstrated political accountability and moral responsibility. He said the Telangana government should similarly accept responsibility for the delay in releasing fee reimbursement funds and for what he described as its failure to fulfill the promised unemployment allowance for job seekers.

He further alleged that the Chief Minister had remained silent on the hardship faced by students while focusing on political campaigns. Ramchander Rao also expressed suspicion over the protests held in New Delhi against the NEET issue, claiming there were concerns about the possible involvement of "foreign forces" behind the demonstrations.

Earlier in the day, on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Ramchander Rao paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the Veerula Sainik Smarak in the Secunderabad Parade Grounds. He said the bravery, sacrifice and patriotism displayed by the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War would forever inspire the nation.

Calling upon citizens to honour the martyrs, he stressed the importance of nurturing patriotism, nationalism, discipline and a sense of duty among the younger generation. He said Gen Z should be made aware of the sacrifices of India's soldiers and the legacy of the Kargil War, adding that embracing the spirit of "Nation First" would help build a stronger and more developed India.