The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on 21 July called on the NDA government to handle student protests over the NEET paper leak with responsibility and sensitivity, a day after police resorted to a lathi charge on demonstrators in New Delhi. The party demanded that the government address students' genuine grievances and work toward meaningful, systemic reforms in examination conduct.

What YSRCP Said

In a post on its official X handle, the YSRCP stated: 'Democracy must not only be upheld, but must also be seen to be upheld.' The party stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, while simultaneously calling on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure demonstrations remain non-violent.

'The protests by students and young people in New Delhi should be handled with responsibility and sensitivity. Governments must listen to their genuine concerns and work towards meaningful solutions,' the post read.

NEET Paper Leak and Examination Reforms

The YSRCP stated that the NEET paper leak has severely shaken the confidence of students and parents in India's examination system. The party argued this makes comprehensive reform — covering transparency, security, and accountability in how competitive exams are conducted — not just desirable but essential.

This comes amid nationwide outrage over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 examination, with protests erupting across multiple cities and the matter drawing scrutiny in Parliament.

DSC Irregularities in Andhra Pradesh

Beyond the national NEET controversy, the YSRCP also trained its sights on alleged malpractice in the District Selection Committee (DSC) examinations in Andhra Pradesh. The party said evidence of leaks and irregularities had surfaced and demanded an impartial inquiry by an independent agency rather than treating the matter as a political controversy.

'Whether it is NEET or DSC, there should be no compromise when it comes to the future of students. Bringing out the truth, fixing systemic flaws, and taking strict action against those responsible is the duty of every democratic government,' the party said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy's Earlier Warning

Last month, YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy had publicly reminded Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that 'Gen Z is watching all the irregularities in DSC exams.' In a pointed warning, Reddy had said: 'Remember Chandrababu, this is Gen Z. Gen Alpha is also coming. If you cause trouble instead of admitting your mistakes, cockroaches will rise.'

Reddy had also drawn a parallel with the Janata Cockroach Party movement that emerged after the NEET paper leak, remarking, 'We are also cockroaches in the state of Andhra Pradesh' — a statement widely interpreted as solidarity with student-led protest movements.

What Happens Next

With both NEET and DSC controversies unresolved, pressure on the NDA government at the Centre and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led administration in Andhra Pradesh is likely to mount. The YSRCP's dual demand — federal accountability on NEET and an independent probe into DSC — sets the stage for continued political and street-level pressure as the examination reform debate intensifies across India.