Why Did Telangana's Dy CM Criticize BJP's Appointment of Accused in Rohith Vemula Case?

Hyderabad, July 11 (NationPress) Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has strongly criticized the BJP for designating N Ramchander Rao—a figure implicated in the tragic suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula—as the state unit's president.

The Congress leader contended that the saffron party consistently favors individuals who act against the interests of Dalits and tribal communities.

During a press briefing in Delhi on Friday, he highlighted the alleged involvement of Ramchander Rao in the Rohith Vemula incident.

According to Vikramarka, Rao exerted pressure on the administration of Hyderabad Central University to suspend Rohith Vemula and four others after a confrontation between student groups, which ultimately led to Rohith's suicide in 2016.

He stated that Rohith's death reverberated across the nation, prompting a critical examination of the current BJP governance.

Rohith, a dedicated PhD candidate and member of the Ambedkar Students' Association (ASA), was advocating for social justice and respect for Dalits. However, he faced false accusations from ABVP leader Susheel Kumar, who pressured university officials to take disciplinary action against him and his peers, which culminated in Rohith's tragic decision.

Vikramarka accused the then-BJP MLC Ramchander Rao and his supporters of orchestrating protests, meeting with the vice chancellor, and compelling the university to act against ASA students, leading to Rohith's demise.

He emphasized that pressures from Union Human Resources Minister and local BJP leaders were instrumental in the actions taken against Rohith and other Dalit students, noting that Rohith had expressed his reasons for his drastic act in a suicide note.

Vikramarka condemned the BJP for promoting those linked to the circumstances surrounding Rohith’s suicide, highlighting that the ABVP leader was appointed as an assistant professor at Delhi University, while Ramchander Rao ascended to the role of Telangana BJP chief.

The Congress leader further asserted that under BJP rule, Dalits and tribal groups lack protection, as those responsible for their persecution are being rewarded.

He urged the BJP to reconsider such endorsements and issue an unconditional apology to the nation.

Vikramarka criticized the central government for undermining universities and eroding constitutional rights.

“The primary responsibility of the government should be to uphold the lives, dignity, and self-worth of every citizen,” he stated.

Last year, Telangana Police submitted a closure report to a local court in the Rohith Vemula case, exonerating the accused, including Ramchander Rao.