In a stark shift from its initial promises of freedom and democracy, the Congress government in Telangana has imposed severe restrictions, impacting public dissent across the state. Within 11 months of ruling, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy implemented stringent measures to silence voices of dissent.
Heavy police regulations are increasingly deployed to quell opposition, as seen with the implementation of the Police Act in 13 districts and likely unofficially enforced in over 20 others. As a result, Section 144 restrictions are already in effect in Hyderabad, and there are indications that police oversight may spread further across the state.
The oppressive policies have fueled a wave of protests among citizens from all walks of life, including laborers, farmers, weavers, and unemployed youth. Residents affected by economic setbacks due to decisions on the Musi beautification project, HYDRAA demolitions, and the suspension of Bathukamma sarees distribution have all taken to the streets.
Farmers have protested the unfulfilled promises of loan waiver, Rythu Bharosa, while students and unemployed youth have rallied for educational fee reimbursement and jobs. Even battalion police officers themselves have staged sit-ins against the msirule of the Congress government.
Intelligence reports have reportedly alerted the government that public anger is intensifying, with predictions of possible attacks on the homes of MLAs and Congress leaders. In response, the Congress administration has ramped up security measures, blocking access around key government areas.
For instance, access to the Secretariat is restricted to specific hours, with entry to some floors entirely barred. Efforts to meet CM Revanth Reddy in person have reportedly been stymied, as his aides often intercept appeals from the public.
As security intensifies, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikaramarka’s residence and other government offices are barricaded, with TGSP personnel replaced by Telangana Special Protection Force (SPF) officers to secure sensitive locations. SPF’s 214-member team now oversees the Secretariat’s security under the direction of newly appointed Monitoring Officer.
Observers criticize the government for relying on the Police Act to stifle protests, arguing that public dissent has been quashed while the Congress maintains a tight grip on power. Many citizens feel that in under a year, Telangana’s democracy has been diminished, replaced by what they see as a ‘police state’ strategy to manage dissent.