TDP coerced 17 VCs to resign, YSRCP demands judicial probe

Nellore, Feb 26: MLC Parvathareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy, Nellore City Constituency in-charge, accused the TDP government of 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 CM Chandrababu Naidu’s community and another tied to Minister Atchennaidu. 

He stated the government misused authority, with the Higher Education Council Chairman issuing verbal directives to coerce resignations, even from VCs outside its jurisdiction. 

Chandrashekar Reddy demanded a judicial probe, challenging Minister Nara Lokesh to honor his Legislative Council pledge for an inquiry if evidence was provided.

Reddy 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.

He claimed TDP “goons” stormed VC chambers, threatened them, smashed phones, and forced resignations - acts he said were captured in viral videos and reported by 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. He questioned the CM’s silence and accused the TDP of damaging Andhra Pradesh’s reputation through political interference in education.