CPI Demands Talks with Sonam Wangchuk, Calls for Minister's Removal Over Exam Leaks
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged the central government to hold talks with environmentalist and education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike. CPI national secretary K. Ramakrishna alleged that repeated examination paper leaks have undermined the country's education system.
Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada on Sunday, Ramakrishna claimed that approximately 82 examination paper leaks and cancellations had occurred over the past 12 years, causing anxiety among students and job aspirants. He cited the cancellation of exams, including NEET and a recent recruitment test in Maharashtra, accusing the Union government of failing to ensure transparency in public examinations.
Criticising the government's handling of Wangchuk's protest, Ramakrishna alleged that authorities attempted to suppress the demonstration instead of engaging in dialogue. “We urge the Union government to immediately hold discussions with Mr. Wangchuk and student organisations, including the AISF and SFI, to address their concerns,” he said.
Holding the Union government responsible for repeated examination irregularities, Ramakrishna demanded the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
On the Ayodhya Ram Temple issue, Ramakrishna sought a judicial inquiry by a sitting or former Supreme Court judge into the alleged misuse of temple funds. He said devotees who had contributed thousands of crores deserved complete transparency and called for action against those responsible for irregularities.
The CPI leader also criticised the Andhra Pradesh government's alleged moves to privatise public sector institutions, including medical colleges and APSRTC, urging it to strengthen the public sector. He expressed concern over law and order, referring to a recent alleged assault on a woman in Guntur district and criticised the sedition case registered against YouTuber Prashna Ravana. CPI State secretariat member Donepudi Shankar was present.
