VISAKHAPATNAM: People for India, Visakhapatnam Forum, said that it would oppose any action against the professors who participated in Yuva Bheri, a meeting organised by the YSR Congress Party, demanding special status to the State. Andhra University former vice-chancellor KV Ramana is the chairperson of the forum, while Insurance Corporation Employees Union president NN Ganesh the convenor.
In a release Friday, Ganesh said that it was most unfortunate that the AU authorities were mulling action against former registrar PVGD Prasad Reddy for speaking against the State Government on the special status. The action will tantamount to attacking the right to freedom of expression of citizens, he added.
“People are worried about the future of the State due to its economic position post-bifurcation. People also seriously want that the special status should be conferred on the State as promised by the Central Government at the time of bifurcation. Various versions are coming through the media on the issue from the people at the helm of affairs,” Ganesh said.
During a debate on a public issue, it was the responsibility of the intelligentsia and the experts to air their views, pros and cons, and the common people would have better understanding of the issues. Threatening action against an employee or an official serving the State or State-owned organisations for speaking against the government was nothing but violating the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The contemplated action not only stifles the voice of intelligentsia, but would also be detrimental to the interests of the people and the state, Ganesh said.