*YSRCP demands Lokesh's resignation, CBI probe into DSC scam; announces statewide protests on July 28*

Tadepalli, July 25: YSRCP has demanded the immediate resignation of Education Minister Nara Lokesh, holding him morally responsible for the alleged large-scale irregularities in the Mega DSC-2025 recruitment process, and sought a comprehensive CBI inquiry into the entire episode.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, former Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh and YSRCP Students' Wing Working President Ravichandra alleged that the coalition government had compromised the confidentiality, transparency and neutrality of the recruitment process, causing grave injustice to thousands of DSC aspirants.

Suresh questioned why the same agency and officials were entrusted with both question paper preparation and examination management, alleging that this destroyed the confidentiality of the examination. He also raised concerns over outsourced personnel allegedly handling confidential question paper uploads and questioned reports that individuals connected with the process secured top ranks. He accused the government of resorting to diversionary politics instead of answering serious allegations and said hundreds of documents, digital evidence and videos highlighting the irregularities had already been submitted to the Governor. He further alleged that 300-400 court cases relating to the DSC process are already pending.

Ravichandra alleged that the government manipulated Sports Quota recruitment through successive Government Orders and denied deserving candidates a fair opportunity. He questioned the failure to publish merit and roster lists and demanded transparency in certificate verification and selections.

Drawing a parallel with the action taken in the NEET controversy at the Centre, the YSRCP leaders said the same standard of accountability should apply in Andhra Pradesh. They demanded Nara Lokesh's resignation and a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.

The party also announced statewide protest rallies before all District Collectorates on July 28, demanding a CBI investigation, Lokesh's resignation, release of pending fee reimbursement dues and payment of unemployment allowance.