BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga has stirred controversy after putting up hoardings across Delhi that target Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli, a 400-acre green area in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The hoardings, visible at multiple locations across the national capital, bear the message: “Rahul Gandhi ji, please stop cutting down our jungles in Telangana.” This political move follows a recent Supreme Court stay on the deforestation drive, ordered on April 3.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih took suo motu cognisance of the tree-cutting operation after reviewing an interim report from the Telangana High Court, which painted an “alarming picture” of deforestation in the area adjoining the University of Hyderabad.
Congress Government Faces Heat
The Congress-led Telangana government has come under heavy criticism for launching a development project on the green land, with opposition leaders accusing it of deploying hundreds of bulldozers to clear trees and wildlife. BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao questioned the need to convert a natural habitat into a ₹30,000 crore real estate project, highlighting the city’s ongoing battle with rapid urbanisation.
Student-Led Protests and Legal Intervention
The issue sparked a wave of student activism. On April 3, University of Hyderabad students began an indefinite relay hunger strike, demanding the withdrawal of bulldozers and a halt to tree felling. Over 50 students participated in the hunger strike, with around 200 others joining the protest on campus.
The protest gained support from the Workers’ Union and non-teaching staff. Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, the students ended their hunger strike.
“We have called off the protest and hunger strike as the Supreme Court has ordered a stay on the activities,” said Anamika, a student leader, as quoted by The New Indian Express.
The students have since announced a victory rally to celebrate what they called a major win for environmental justice.
