Left parties, YSRCP criticize centre, AP government over democratic rights

Representatives of Left parties, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and civil society organizations on Tuesday criticized the Center and the Andhra Pradesh government over the alleged NEET paper leak, the alleged forcible transfer of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site to a hospital and cases registered against Round Table activist Prashna Ravan (CPI Communist Party of India) in India.

Economist and former National Human Rights Commission member KS Chalam addressed the meeting held at the Dwarakanagar Public Library under the chairmanship of CPI district secretary SK Rahiman, who expressed concern over what he described as attacks on democratic rights and freedom of expression. Claiming that the NEET paper leak had jeopardized the future of millions of students, he demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister, holding him morally responsible.

CPI state secretariat member JV Satyanarayana Murthy alleged that the repeated registration of cases against Prashna Ravan, including under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), after the courts had granted him bail in earlier cases, reflected suppression of dissent. He also expressed concern over alleged custodial deaths in the state.

Representatives of CPI(M), YSRCP, Marxist Communist Party of India (MCPI), CPI(ML) Praja Poru and CPI(ML) New Democracy along with leaders of several people’s organizations addressed the meeting and called for protection of democratic rights and constitutional values.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 19:10 IST