Les partis de gauche, le YSRCP critiquent le Centre, le gouvernement de l'AP sur les droits démocratiques

Left parties, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), and civil society groups have condemned the central government and the state administration of Andhra Pradesh over violations of democratic rights, citing three major incidents: the alleged leakage of the NEET exam paper, the forced relocation of Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site to a hospital, and the continued legal action against activist Prashna Ravan. These concerns were raised during a roundtable discussion held in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, chaired by CPI district secretary S.K. Rahiman. The meeting took place at the Dwarakanagar Public Library and included prominent figures such as economist and former National Human Rights Commission member K.S. Chalam. Chalam voiced alarm over what he termed as assaults on democratic freedoms and freedom of expression. He specifically highlighted the NEET paper leak, which he claimed has compromised the educational prospects of hundreds of thousands of students. As a result, he called for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, asserting that he bears moral responsibility for the incident. J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy, a member of the CPI State secretariat, pointed out that Prashna Ravan, an activist, has faced multiple case registrations, even after being granted bail in previous instances. This pattern, he argued, indicates a systematic effort to suppress dissent. Additionally, Murthy raised concerns regarding alleged custodial deaths within the state, suggesting a broader issue of human rights abuses. Participants in the roundtable included representatives from the CPI(M), YSRCP, the Marxist Communist Party of India (MCPI), CPI(ML) Praja Poru, and CPI(ML) New Democracy, alongside leaders from various people's organizations. All attendees emphasized the need to safeguard democratic rights and uphold constitutional principles. Their collective stance reflects growing dissatisfaction with both national and regional authorities over perceived encroachments on civil liberties. The allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak remain under investigation, though no official confirmation has been issued. The incident sparked widespread public outrage, with many accusing the education ministry of negligence and corruption. Meanwhile, the case involving Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known advocate for Tibetan autonomy based in Ladakh, reportedly occurred during a peaceful demonstration. According to local reports, security forces allegedly moved him to a medical facility without his consent, raising questions about the legality of the action. Prashna Ravan, another activist, has been embroiled in legal proceedings since 2024. Initially charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he was later released on bail following judicial intervention. However, new charges have recently been filed against him, prompting fears of political persecution. Activists argue that these developments represent a broader trend of targeting individuals who challenge authority, particularly those engaged in social or political activism. The roundtable discussion underscored a deepening divide between the ruling establishment and opposition groups, with the latter increasingly vocal in their demands for accountability and transparency. Civil society organizations present at the meeting reiterated their commitment to defending democratic institutions and ensuring that all citizens enjoy their fundamental rights. They urged the government to take immediate steps to address these grievances and restore public trust in the justice system.