Nalgonda: September 1, Police have denied permission for the BRS farmers’ rally and public meeting in Miryalaguda on September 3, citing law and order and traffic concerns. The programme is part of a week-long statewide protest by the BRS against what the party calls the failures of the 1,000-day Congress government in Telangana.

The BRS had planned to take out a rally from the flyover bridge to Rajiv Chowk between 1 pm and 5 pm, followed by a public meeting at Rajiv Chowk. BRS working president KT Rama Rao was scheduled to address the gathering.

Former MLA and Miryalaguda constituency in-charge Nallamothu Bhaskar Rao had sought police permission for the programme, stating that the protest was aimed at highlighting farmers’ concerns, including agriculture, irrigation, power supply, urea shortages and the Rythu Bharosa scheme.

In its order, the Miryalaguda Sub-Divisional Police Officer said Rajiv Chowk is a major traffic junction with narrow approach roads and heavy vehicular movement. The police said there were inadequate alternative routes and parking facilities, and warned that a large gathering could severely affect traffic movement in the surrounding areas.

The police also pointed out that National Highway-167, connecting Kodad and Jadcherla, passes through Rajiv Chowk. Holding a large public meeting at the junction could disrupt traffic on the highway, the police said. The presence of government and other important offices in the area was also cited as a concern.

However, the police said the BRS could conduct the programme at an alternative venue such as a function hall or open ground, provided it does not cause inconvenience to the public. Police also reportedly cited the enforcement of Section 30 in the town while denying permission.

Despite the denial, former Telangana Minister and Suryapet MLA G. Jagadish Reddy said the farmers’ protest would go ahead in Miryalaguda. He asserted that KT Rama Rao would attend the programme, alleging that the Congress government was attempting to prevent the BRS from raising farmers’ issues.

Jagadish Reddy also criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over his repeated references to BRS chief and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR). He claimed that the continued political relevance of KCR was causing concern within the ruling establishment.

The BRS has maintained that the statewide protests are intended to highlight issues faced by farmers and question the Congress government’s performance during its first 1,000 days in office.