Educational institutions, revered as centers of learning, are increasingly becoming platforms for political rhetoric. Some leaders are using college events to make political statements, often targeting their rivals. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders, in particular, have been at the forefront of this trend.
A recent incident at Krishnaveni Degree College in Narasaraopet highlighted this growing concern. During the college’s 20th annual celebrations on March 8, TDP state executive secretary Nallapati Ramachandra Prasad (Ramu) made political comments against former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, triggering an unexpected reaction from students. As soon as he mentioned Jagan’s name, the students erupted in loud chants of “Jai Jagan.”
Caught Off guard by students response
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Narasaraopet MLA Chadalavada Aravind Babu, former Vinukonda MLA Makkina Mallikarjuna Rao, college director Nathani Venkateswarlu, school director Edakondalu, and others.
While addressing the gathering, Nallapati Ramu spoke about the importance of independent political choices, urging students to vote based on governance and not caste or party loyalty. However, his comments took a sharp turn when he referenced YS Jagan, calling him “the former CM.” The mere mention of Jagan’s name led to overwhelming support from students, who started chanting his name repeatedly.
Visibly taken aback, Ramu attempted to regain control of the situation, acknowledging Jagan’s popularity among the youth. But his following statement – urging students to shed their ‘obsession’ – only fueled the enthusiasm of the crowd, leading to further chants. The intensity of the student response left the TDP MP, MLAs, and other leaders on stage in stunned silence.
A Speech that backfired
What was meant to be a message about unbiased voting quickly turned into a lesson in political realities. Ramu’s speech, which initially criticized political favoritism, soon shifted into a justification of the TDP’s leadership. He even praised Chandrababu Naidu’s ‘Vision 2047’ while urging students to aspire for a brighter future. However, the optics of praising Naidu while indirectly criticizing Jagan did not sit well with the audience.
The video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussions. Netizens have questioned whether TDP leaders can glorify Naidu while disparaging Jagan in front of students.
Political intrusion into educational institutions
This episode is part of a larger trend where political figures use educational platforms for electoral narratives. Ever since the new coalition government took charge in Andhra Pradesh, instances of political interference in universities have escalated. Vice-chancellors, registrars, and faculty members have reportedly faced coercion, with some being forced to resign.
Experts and educators are voicing concerns over such incidents, emphasizing that politics should not be allowed to infiltrate academic spaces. They argue that students should be allowed to engage in free thinking without external influence. The Narasaraopet incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing politicization of education, where institutions meant for knowledge-sharing are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for political propaganda.
