The CPI(M) has warned of state-wide protests in Andhra Pradesh if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Andhra Pradesh on August 1.

Addressing the media on Thursday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao alleged that public anger over the alleged National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak controversy and the police action against the protesting students in Delhi had intensified, claiming that the BJP’s “countdown has begun.”

Mr. Srinivasa Rao alleged that repeated examination paper leaks had shattered the confidence of students and parents, forcing them to protest in Delhi.

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

Holding Mr. Pradhan responsible for failing to protect the integrity of the examination system, he demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

The CPI(M) leader criticised the judiciary, alleging that the Chief Justice of India had failed to intervene over the police action against students.

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

Referring to other issues in the State, Mr. Srinivasa Rao criticised the use of public funds for the inauguration of the privately developed Bhogapuram International Airport.

Raising concerns over tribal welfare, he alleged that tribal teachers had been removed from service and urged the government to restore safeguards for tribal rights, including defending the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Areas Land Transfer Regulation (1/70) in the Supreme Court.

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

Published - July 23, 2026 07:20 pm IST