A political showdown between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) over the DSC-2025 teacher recruitment issue triggered tense scenes in Vijayawada on Thursday, leading to clashes between supporters of both parties and the detention of former MLA Malladi Vishnu.The confrontation began when YSRCP leaders, led by former Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu, launched a relay hunger strike at Mutyalampadu, demanding a CBI inquiry into the DSC-2025 teacher recruitment process. The party sought an independent probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercise.Tensions escalated after TDP MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao and party workers reached the protest site, alleging that the hunger strike camp had been set up without police permission. TDP leaders also objected to remarks allegedly made by YSRCP leaders against HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh during the protest.The situation turned chaotic when TDP supporters allegedly attempted to remove the protest tent, prompting resistance from YSRCP workers. Heated exchanges soon led to pushing and jostling, forcing police to deploy additional personnel to prevent further escalation.Police later detained Malladi Vishnu, stating that the hunger strike was being conducted without prior permission and that the action was taken to maintain law and order.
What happened?
A political confrontation broke out at Mutyalampadu in Vijayawada on August 6, 2026, when YSRCP leaders were holding a relay hunger strike demanding a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the Mega DSC-2025 teacher recruitment process. The protest was led by former Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu.
The YSRCP alleged that there were irregularities in the recruitment process and demanded an independent investigation. The protest also called for action against those allegedly responsible.
TDP leaders reach the protest site
TDP MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, accompanied by party supporters, reached the protest location. TDP leaders objected to the protest, claiming that the hunger strike was being conducted without police permission. They also objected to remarks allegedly made by YSRCP leaders against HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh.
According to reports, tensions increased when TDP workers allegedly attempted to remove the protest tent. YSRCP workers resisted, leading to heated arguments, pushing and a scuffle between supporters of the two parties. Police subsequently deployed additional personnel to control the situation.
Malladi Vishnu detained
Police later detained former MLA Malladi Vishnu, saying that the relay hunger strike had been organised without the required permission and that the action was necessary to maintain law and order. His detention further increased tensions among YSRCP supporters.
YSRCP leaders alleged that the police action was influenced by the ruling TDP. Police rejected that allegation and said they were acting to prevent further escalation and maintain public order.
Allegations from both sides
YSRCP’s position:
- Demanded a CBI probe into Mega DSC-2025.
- Alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
- Accused TDP supporters of disrupting their peaceful protest.
- Malladi Vishnu alleged that the police acted under political pressure.
TDP’s position:
- Said the protest was conducted without police permission.
- Objected to alleged remarks against Minister Nara Lokesh.
- Bonda Umamaheswara Rao questioned why an unauthorised protest was being allowed.
What happened afterwards?
The DSC controversy did not end with the Vijayawada protest. On August 17, the issue was debated during the Andhra Pradesh Assembly session, where Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Education Minister Nara Lokesh rejected YSRCP allegations of question-paper leakage, manipulation and other irregularities. The government defended the recruitment process and said it had followed the prescribed procedures.
The issue also continued to cause disruptions in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council. On August 19, YSRCP members again demanded an inquiry into the Mega DSC recruitment process, leading to repeated protests and disruption of proceedings.