Osmania University has issued a circular banning all protests, dharnas, and demonstrations on its campus, citing disruptions to academic and administrative activities. The new directive prohibits both students and outsiders from entering university buildings without prior authorization. Additionally, raising slogans, obstructing officials, or using abusive language against university authorities have also been explicitly restricted. The administration has urged students to voice their concerns through formal grievance channels, including scheduled meetings with institutional authorities or the registrar. The move comes after repeated instances of student protests in recent months, many of which were focused on issues such as inadequate hostel facilities and alleged mismanagement.

The decision has sparked strong opposition from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), with its working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) condemning the ban as “an attack on democracy.” KTR criticized the ruling Congress government in Telangana for what he described as a betrayal of its pre-election promise to uphold the right to protest. Drawing parallels with the BJP’s suppression of dissent in other states, he accused the Congress of taking a similar authoritarian approach by silencing students. He argued that Osmania University has historically played a pivotal role in student activism, particularly during the Telangana movement, and that restricting protests is an attempt to suppress voices demanding accountability.

The ban on demonstrations has come at a time when students have been actively raising concerns about various issues on campus. In recent protests, students have highlighted poor hostel conditions, including instances where foreign objects like razor blades and worms were allegedly found in their food. While the university administration claims that such measures are necessary to maintain order and discipline, critics argue that suppressing student activism could have long-term implications for democratic expression and youth participation in governance. With tensions rising, student unions and opposition leaders are expected to continue their resistance against the decision.