Left parties, YSRCP criticise Centre, A.P. government over democratic rights - The HinduUpdated - July 21, 2026 07:11 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAMRepresentatives of Left parties, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and civil society organisations on Tuesday criticised the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government over the alleged NEET paper leak, the alleged forcible shifting of Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site to a hospital, and the cases registered against activist Prashna Ravan at a roundtable organised by the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Visakhapatnam.The meeting, held at the Dwarakanagar Public Library under the chairmanship of CPI district secretary S.K. Rahiman, featured economist and former National Human Rights Commission member K.S. Chalam, who expressed concern over what he described as attacks on democratic rights and freedom of expression. Alleging that the NEET paper leak had jeopardised the future of lakhs of students, he demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister, holding him morally responsible.CPI State secretariat member J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy alleged that the repeated registration of cases against Prashna Ravan, including under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after courts had granted him bail in earlier cases, reflected the suppression of dissent. He also expressed concern over the alleged custodial deaths in the State.Representatives of the CPI(M), the YSRCP, the Marxist Communist Party of India (MCPI), CPI(ML) Praja Poru and CPI(ML) New Democracy, along with leaders of several people’s organisations, addressed the meeting and called for the protection of democratic rights and constitutional values.Published - July 21, 2026 07:10 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }