AndhraPradesh – Left Parties Accuse State of Eroding Rule of Law

AndhraPradesh – Left-wing political parties staged a sharp protest in Vijayawada on Wednesday, alleging a serious decline in law and order across Andhra Pradesh. Leaders from the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) addressed the media, warning that democratic institutions in the state were under strain and calling for urgent corrective measures.

According to CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao, recent incidents point to a growing culture of intimidation and administrative failure. He claimed that the principles of rule of law were being steadily weakened, creating an environment where unlawful actions could occur without fear of accountability. Rao argued that the current governance style was incompatible with democratic norms and risked pushing the state toward disorder.

Allegations of Governance Failure

Addressing reporters, Rao said that Andhra Pradesh was witnessing a troubling shift in governance, marked by what he described as unchecked power and shrinking democratic space. He alleged that the administration’s emphasis on political dominance was undermining constitutional values. Without naming specific officials, he accused the ruling dispensation of allowing practices that encourage fear rather than public confidence.

He further remarked that comparisons with other states known for governance challenges were becoming increasingly relevant, a trend he said should concern citizens across political lines. The Left parties maintained that strong institutions and transparent administration were essential to prevent such deterioration.

Student Abduction Case Triggers Protest

The immediate cause for the protest was the alleged abduction of two student leaders from Mohan Babu University earlier this week. The students were reportedly taken by private security personnel associated with the institution and later rescued by the Chittoor district police. The incident drew widespread attention and raised questions about campus safety and the misuse of private security forces.

Rao condemned the incident, stating that the students were targeted for supporting protests against what he described as illegal fee collections. He asserted that students and their families were being pressured financially, despite regulatory directions that certain excess amounts be returned.

Claims of Illegal Fee Collection

The CPI(M) leader alleged that education authorities had previously instructed the university to refund substantial sums collected beyond approved fees. However, he claimed that instead of complying fully, the institution continued to demand additional payments from students. According to Rao, these actions placed an unfair burden on parents and contradicted official guidelines.

The Left parties argued that such practices, if proven, amounted to exploitation and called for stricter oversight of private educational institutions. They insisted that education should not become a profit-driven enterprise at the cost of student welfare.

Demand for Action Against University

In response to the incident, the Left parties demanded immediate action against Mohan Babu University, including a temporary ban until a thorough investigation is completed. They urged the state government to ensure that educational institutions operate within legal and ethical boundaries and that students are protected from intimidation.

Party leaders also appealed to civil society groups, parents, and student organizations to remain vigilant and speak out against practices that compromise academic freedom and safety.

Call for Nationwide Protest on Labour Issues

Beyond the state-level concerns, the Left parties used the occasion to announce a nationwide strike scheduled for February 12. The protest will focus on opposition to recently implemented labour codes, which they argue weaken worker protections and favor corporate interests. According to party leaders, the strike aims to draw national attention to employment security, fair wages, and workers’ rights.

They emphasized that democratic engagement, peaceful protest, and accountability were vital to safeguarding both civil liberties and economic justice.