TDP, YSRCP clash over VCs resignations in council

A heated debate erupted in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council between Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) members over the resignation of university vice chancellors (VCs). The session turned chaotic after minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh moved a Privilege Motion against Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Botsa Satyanarayana’s claim that the VCs had been forced to resign.

Lokesh presented resignation letters from the VCs, asserting that their resignations were voluntary. He questioned where in the letters any mention of coercion was made, emphasizing that 12 vice chancellors had resigned, and their resignations were accepted by the Governor.

Botsa Satyanarayana, however, insisted on an inquiry, questioning how so many VCs could have resigned at once without external pressure. He alleged that the government had gone back on its word after initially agreeing to an investigation.

Botsa also claimed that VCs appointed by the Governor were being pressured to step down, demanding an inquiry to uncover the truth. He stated that if any VC was found unfit, due process should have been followed instead of allegedly forcing them to resign.

Botsa further accused the government of avoiding accountability, resorting to "insults, slander, and abusive language" instead of addressing the issue. He called for an investigation into whether the Higher Education Department had issued orders compelling the resignations. Minister Lokesh strongly objected to Botsa’s claims, arguing that records from the past should also be examined.

He recalled previous accusations made by YSRCP members that the former TDP government had pressured officials to resign. He demanded that the privilege notice submitted by the TDP be referred to the Privilege Committee for review. “Did your members not claim earlier that officials were forced to resign? I have presented evidence proving there was no coercion. That is why I am moving the privilege motion,” Lokesh stated. Lokesh further challenged the opposition to find the word "threaten" in any of the resignation letters.

He alleged that YSRCP members were deliberately orchestrating protests under Botsa’s direction. The heated exchange soon escalated, leading to an uproar in the House. As tensions flared between the two parties, Chairman Motion Raju was forced to adjourn the session.

When the council resumed after a break, YSRCP members stormed the well and raised slogans demanding an inquiry into the alleged threats against VCs. The Chairman attempted to restore order and urged Minister Lokesh to respond on behalf of the government. However, the continued disruption prompted minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy to accuse YSRCP members of deliberately stalling council proceedings. With the situation remaining chaotic, the Chairman adjourned the House until Wednesday.