26-Feb-2025 02:52 PM
4925
Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) Feb 26 (Reporter) YSRCP MLC Parvathareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy on Wednesday accused the TDP government for allegedly forcing 17 out of 19 university Vice-Chancellors (VCs) to resign through intimidation within three days of taking power, sparing only two VCs - one from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s community and another tied to Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu.
Chandrasekhar Reddy, who is also Nellore City Constituency in-charge, stated the government misused authority, with the Higher Education Council Chairman issuing verbal directives to coerce resignations, even from VCs outside its jurisdiction.
He demanded a judicial probe, challenging Minister Nara Lokesh to honor his Legislative Council pledge for an inquiry if evidence was provided.
The YSRCP MLC emphasized that never before in the state’s history had a government interfered with universities and VCs to this extent upon assuming power, describing the mass resignations as an unprecedented and deplorable act.
He noted that VCs, who typically serve three-year terms, were forced to resign within five or six months, questioning whether the coalition leadership was responsible for this dire situation. When challenged to provide evidence, Reddy said the government panicked and prevented the opposition from speaking in the Council.
The YSRCP leader claimed TDP “goons” stormed VC chambers, threatened them, smashed phones, and forced resignations - acts he said were captured in viral videos and reported by the media. The YSRCP plans to submit newspaper clippings, videos, and resignation letters as proof.
He criticized the government for tarnishing university sanctity, suppressing opposition voices in the Council, and obstructing evidence presentation, calling the mass resignations unprecedented. The MLC questioned the CM’s silence and accused the TDP of damaging Andhra Pradesh’s reputation through political interference in education...////...