CPI(M) warns of protest in A.P. if Dharmendra Pradhan does not quit

CPI(M) has warned that there may be statewide protests in Andhra Pradesh if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Andhra Pradesh on August 1.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao claimed that public anger has intensified over the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak controversy and the alleged intensification of police action against protesting students in Delhi and the “countdown has begun” for the BJP.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao claimed that continuous leaks of exam papers had eroded the confidence of students and parents, forcing them to protest in Delhi.

“The Union government agreed to discuss NEET only after public pressure mounted. But this diverted attention instead of addressing the root causes of the crisis,” he alleged.

He demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister, holding Mr. Pradhan responsible for the failure to maintain the integrity of the examination system.

The CPI(M) leader criticized the judiciary and alleged that the Chief Justice of India did not interfere with the police action against the students.

He accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of remaining silent on the issue.

Touching on other issues in the state, Mr. Srinivasa Rao criticized the use of public funds for the opening of the privately developed Bhogapuram International Airport.

Expressing concern over the welfare of tribals, he alleged sacking of tribal teachers and urged the government to reimpose safeguards on tribal rights, including defending the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Areas Land Transfer Ordinance (1/70) in the Supreme Court.

CPI(M) State Secretariat member Y. Venkateswara Rao demanded withdrawal of cases filed against protesting students and action against those responsible for repeated leaks of exam papers.