The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) launched a fiery protest against the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation’s (TSRTC) steep bus fare hike, branding it a cruel blow to the common man. The opposition party’s “Chalo Bus Bhavan” campaign saw dramatic scenes, with BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao and senior leaders taking to the streets to demand an immediate rollback of the increased fares.

The day began with high drama as KTR was placed under house arrest by a heavy police deployment, sparking outrage among BRS supporters. Condemning the move as an attempt to stifle democratic protest, the BRS rallied public support, forcing the Congress government to relent. KTR, alongside senior leaders like Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Padma Rao Goud, then embarked on a symbolic bus journey from Secunderabad’s Regimental Bazaar bus stop to Bus Bhavan, converging with throngs of BRS cadre who flooded the area in a show of solidarity.

Tensions flared near RTC Cross Roads as police attempted to block the leaders, leading to heated exchanges. Despite the chaos, BRS leaders pressed forward, with only elected representatives granted entry into Bus Bhavan. Inside, they met TSRTC Managing Director Nagireddy and submitted a memorandum demanding the fare hike’s immediate withdrawal. KTR accused the Congress government of a sinister plot to privatize TSRTC, alleging it was deliberately crippling the corporation financially. He revealed that ₹1,353 crore in dues related to the ‘Mahalakshmi’ free bus scheme remained unpaid, while defending the BRS’s record of releasing ₹9,246 crore in RTC grants during their tenure.

Addressing the media, KTR unleashed a scathing attack: “This isn’t a government; it’s a circus! Doubling fares for men to offset free travel for women is cruel. Public transport is the government’s social responsibility, not a burden to be dumped on citizens.” He criticized the state’s economic mismanagement and rising crime, questioning why police resources were used to arrest peaceful protesters instead of tackling criminals.

The BRS vowed to continue its fight, demanding accountability and relief for Telangana’s beleaguered commuters.