Protest in Vijayawada Over Alleged Targeting of Student Activists

Student and youth organisations on Saturday accused the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh of undermining democratic values and demanded the immediate withdrawal of rowdy sheets allegedly opened against student leaders .

A large protest was held at Vijayawada’s Lenin Centre under the banner of the YSRCP student and youth wings , along with various affiliated organisations. Demonstrators wore black ribbons and staged a symbolic protest , portraying themselves as being in chains to highlight what they described as growing suppression of dissent.

Addressing the gathering, leaders alleged that the government was resorting to illegal cases and arrests of student leaders whenever questions were raised. They claimed this reflected an oppressive administration and warned against what they termed the criminalisation of students .

The speakers questioned the government’s failure to implement key election promises , including the Mega DSC , job calendar , and fee reimbursement schemes. “We are not asking for people’s property; we are only asking the government to honour its commitments,” they said, condemning the use of police action against peaceful protesters.

Special concern was expressed over cases booked against student activists in Visakhapatnam . The protesters demanded that all rowdy sheets opened against students be withdrawn without delay and cautioned the government against playing with the future of youth by branding them as offenders.

Recalling assurances made earlier by Nara Lokesh , the leaders said he had promised that no cases would be filed against student leaders and that students could approach him directly. However, they alleged that even after 19 months in power , the government had failed to fulfil those assurances.

They asserted that public movements cannot be suppressed through police restrictions , lathi charges , or house arrests . Warning of statewide protests , the leaders said the agitation would be intensified if the government failed to respond immediately.

The protest was attended by YSRCP Student Wing State General Secretary Kesari Shiva Reddy , Youth Wing leaders Matha Mahesh and Kesari Rajashekhar Reddy , along with several other student and youth activists.