Group-1 protests take political turn as Bandi Sanjay stages sit-in at Ashok Nagar

Hyderabad: Tension prevailed as a large number of Group-1 aspirants staged a sit-in at Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad on Saturday. They have been demanding that the state government reschedule the Group-1 Mains examinations, which are scheduled to begin on October 21. Recently, the Telangana High Court dismissed the petitions and directed the Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) to conduct the exams.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar met the aspirants and joined their protest in Hyderabad. He patiently listened to the aspirants who shared their concerns and demands with him. As per sources, he has urged the aspirants to lay siege to the Telangana Secretariat.
Anticipating Bandi Sanjay’s participation in the protest, Hyderabad police had strengthened their force in Ashok Nagar, which has been on the boil with protests for the last few days. However, the BJP leader managed to sneak in and join the protests.
The aspirants have called out the police and the government for mistreating them and trying to thwart their peaceful rally. On Friday, the police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the protesters. Several aspirants had taken out a rally towards Indira Park. They held placards and raised slogans demanding the recruitment agency to reschedule the Mains exams.
A confrontation took place when the police stopped the aspirants from marching ahead. Later, the police used mild force to disperse the protesters. The aspirants have been sharing videos on various platforms to show the bruises and marks on their backs due to the lathi charge.
It may be noted here that the aspirants have been protesting against the GO 29. The selection process for the Group-1 services was changed following the release of the government order. They are also demanding the TGPSC to reconsider the 1:50 selection ratio for the Group-1 Mains exams.
Union Minister #BandiSanjayKumar is now meeting the #Group1aspirants who have camped at Ashok Nagar in #Hyderabad. They have been demanding the postponement of #Group1Mains exams. As per sources, the #BJP leader has given a call for laying a siege to #Telangana Secretariat. pic.twitter.com/Aa22ThJvyu
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) October 19, 2024