Ramchander Rao Challenges Rahul Gandhi to Hold ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ in Hyderabad

Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao has challenged Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to organise his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Hyderabad and listen directly to the concerns of students and unemployed youth.

Rao specifically suggested Ashok Nagar, a major hub for competitive-exam aspirants, as the venue for the programme. He recalled Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the area ahead of the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections, when the Congress leader interacted with students preparing for government recruitment examinations.

Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, Rao questioned whether Rahul Gandhi would return to Ashok Nagar and hear students’ concerns about promises made by the Congress before coming to power. The BJP leader’s challenge comes as Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj campaign has focused on issues including unemployment, examination irregularities and opportunities for students.

Rao alleged that the Telangana government had failed to fulfil its promise of providing two lakh government jobs, despite being in office for more than two-and-a-half years. He questioned the status of the promised job calendar and sought clarity on when the remaining vacancies would be filled.

The BJP chief also targeted the government over pending fee reimbursement dues, claiming the outstanding amount was around ₹12,000 crore. He alleged that the delay was putting the future of nearly 20 lakh students from SC, ST, BC and EBC communities at risk.

According to Rao, educational institutions have faced financial difficulties because of the prolonged delay, with some allegedly withholding students’ original certificates over unpaid dues. He cited concerns raised before the Telangana High Court over long-pending reimbursements, with figures mentioned in different proceedings ranging between ₹10,000 crore and ₹12,000 crore.

He claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was prepared to respond in Parliament to issues raised over the Jantar Mantar protests, but alleged that Rahul Gandhi and the opposition were preventing the House from functioning. Rao said the Congress leader was initially demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister and later sought a statement from the Home Minister.

The BJP leader also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s response to protests by students in Jharkhand, asking why their concerns were not receiving similar attention.

Rao accused the Congress and INDIA bloc of politicising student grievances and putting young people’s future at stake.

His challenge brings the focus of Rahul Gandhi’s national student outreach campaign back to Telangana’s employment and education concerns, particularly the unfulfilled job promise and fee reimbursement arrears.