The CPI(M) claims that the union leader was arrested to stop the protest ahead of the CM’s visit

The CPI(M) on Thursday (July 3, 2026) condemned the arrest of union leader Ch. Chandrasekhar at Kodur in Tirupati district, saying the police detained him to prevent protests ahead of the visit of the Chief Minister and the Union Minister.

Party State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said in a statement that Mr. Chandrasekhar has been taken into custody and is being held at the Chitvel police station. He demanded the immediate release of the union leader and called the arrest illegal and undemocratic.

According to him, the agricultural trade unions planned to protest during the Union minister’s visit to oppose the proposed new employment guarantee scheme by the Centre. Instead of addressing public concerns about the plan, the authorities chose to suppress democratic protests, he claimed.

The CPI(M) leader said the proposed employment scheme would harm rural communities and urged the government to withdraw it. He reiterated the party’s demand that Mahatma Gandhi’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Act be maintained, saying it provided crucial livelihood support to the rural poor.

Published – 03 Jul 2026 11:44 IST