India, July 2 -- Several leaders and workers of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) were taken into preventive custody by Telangana Police on Thursday while they were on their way to participate in a proposed public debate with state ministers. The BRS had challenged ministers from the ruling Congress government to an open discussion on the implementation of welfare schemes and development promises in Telangana.

According to the party, police intercepted BRS leaders at multiple locations and detained them before they could reach the debate venue. BRS leaders criticised the action, alleging that the Congress government was trying to suppress democratic discussion and avoid accountability on issues concerning governance and public welfare. Th...