The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) Telangana committee condemned the police action against its leaders during a solidarity protest organised here in support of the indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, demanding accountability for alleged failures of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Addressing the protest, CPM State secretary John Wesley said the controversies surrounding NEET, CUET and other entrance examinations had created a nationwide crisis of confidence in the NTA. He alleged that the Union government failed to take responsibility despite repeated examination irregularities and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Former legislator Julakanti Rangareddy criticised the Centre’s education policies, alleging they undermine States’ rights through excessive centralisation. He called for a new entrance examination system that is transparent and respects the role of States.

SFI leaders S. Rajinikanth and T. Nagaraju condemned the removal of its leaders during the solidarity strike and described it as an attack on democratic rights. The committee also denounced the reported use of lathi-charge and water cannons against protesters at Jantar Mantar.

Students from ASA, BSF, DSU, SFI, and TSF also held a protest rally in the University of Hyderabad campus later in the evening.

Published - July 20, 2026 06:51 pm IST