Hyderabad, August 1: BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Friday praised the youth-led protests over the alleged NEET examination irregularities, describing them as a new generation movement that compelled the Central government and sections of the media to respond.
KTR on NEET Protest and Freedom of Expression
Speaking at a seminar on “Constitution, Democracy and Freedom of the Press” organised at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram in Hyderabad to mark the 11th anniversary of Nava Telangana daily, KTR said the youth-led agitation demonstrated the growing influence of digital platforms in public discourse.
Referring to the protests organised by the group known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), KTR claimed that the movement had shaken the Central government and attracted widespread public attention.
He said many people initially underestimated the protest but later recognised its impact. According to KTR, social media played a significant role in amplifying the movement and bringing public attention to the issue.
KTR also criticised sections of the mainstream media, alleging that some outlets struggled to respond to the evolving nature of youth-led digital campaigns. He argued that social media has become an important platform for civic participation and public debate.
Commenting on freedom of expression, KTR said constitutional freedoms should be protected and cautioned against imposing excessive restrictions on speech. He maintained that while responsible public discourse is important, governments should not arbitrarily define the limits of free expression.
The BRS leader also remarked that social media has enabled citizens, particularly younger generations, to mobilise around public issues and demand accountability from governments.
