What is 'Chalo Secretariat' protest which led to arrest of YS Sharmila Reddy?

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila Reddy, accompanied by party workers and leaders, spearheaded a demonstration against the state government at Andhra Ratna Bhavan, initiating their 'Chalo Secretariat' agitation.

In an attempt to voice their dissent against the recent District Selection Committee (DSC) notification for teacher recruitment, YS Sharmila and 40 party workers were detained in Vijayawada on Thursday. The protesters aimed to march towards the Secretariat to express their opposition.

Spends night at party office

Prior to the protest, Sharmila had spent the night at the party office to evade potential house arrest measures.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) B Ravi Kiran of Vijayawada South confirmed the detainment, citing disruptions to traffic flow and slogans raised on Eluru Road. The detained individuals were subsequently removed from the scene.

Criticism against YSRCP government

YS Sharmila Reddy criticized the YSRCP government for the arrests, asserting the Congress party's solidarity with the unemployed. She demanded an apology from the YSRCP for failing to fulfill promises of job creation. Despite pledges of 23,000 jobs, only around 6,000 positions were notified in the recent DSC notification.

Accusing the YSRCP of autocratic governance, Sharmila condemned the arrests and the heavy police presence surrounding the protest site. She denounced the government's actions, portraying the demonstrators as prisoners.

What happened at Sharmila's press conference? 

During a subsequent press conference, Sharmila questioned the government's motives in preventing Congress leaders and activists from participating in the 'chalo secretariat' movement. She demanded transparency and accountability, advocating for a comprehensive DSC notification that addresses the need for 30,000 teaching positions and urged the formulation of a job calendar.

In a bold statement, Sharmila challenged the government's actions, questioning the need for repression if their performance was commendable. The protest underscores the ongoing tensions between the opposition and the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh.