Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday strongly condemned the incident in which students from a government school were allegedly forced to participate in a political protest organized by a former YSRCP MLA. The minister has termed the act as “heinous and criminal” and ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter.

The incident came to light after a user named Shyam posted a video and photographs on social media platform ‘X’, tagging Minister Lokesh. The footage purportedly shows students in school uniforms participating in a political demonstration led by former Parvathipuram MLA Alajangi Jogarao, in front of the district Collectorate as part of the YSRCP’s “Yuvatha Poru” protest.

According to Shyam’s post, the students from Pedapenki MPP School were taken to the protest without the consent of their parents and were made to sit in the protest while still in their school uniforms. Tragically, while returning from the protest, a mishap occurred in which several children were injured. Two students are reportedly in critical condition.

Responding swiftly to the post, Minister Lokesh expressed his outrage and demanded accountability. “This is not just unacceptable—it is a crime,” he wrote on his official handle. He directed education department officials to conduct an urgent inquiry and submit a detailed report on the incident.

Further, Minister Lokesh assured that the injured students would receive the best possible medical care at government expense. “We will ensure top-quality treatment for the students who were hurt. No child should suffer for political gain,” he stated. The Minister also took serious note of the involvement of school authorities. “Strict action will be taken against the MEO and headmasters who permitted or turned a blind eye to this gross misuse of students,” he said.

Warning political parties against involving educational institutions in their agendas, Lokesh emphasized that schools must remain safe, neutral spaces for learning. “Educational institutions should never be dragged into political activities. Using children for partisan purposes is both unethical and unlawful,” he said.