The CPI(M) on Wednesday (December 3) slammed the government’s inadequate response to the recent killing of social activist Penchalayya by ganja gangs and rising drug-related issues in the State. The party demanded that government ensure justice to the family members of Penchalayya.
Addressing a press conference here, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivas Rao expressed anguish over the government’s indifference towards the growing influence of ganja gangs and the recent murder of social activist Penchalayya in Nellore on November 28. Despite the killing having sparked a statewide debate, both Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister for Home V. Anitha remained silent.
The CPI(M) leader said his party had written to Ms. Anitha requesting action, but there has been no response yet.
He questioned why the Chief Minister, who recently made remarks about “lady dons” during a political meeting in Nellore for political mileage, has not spoken a single word about Penchalayya’s sacrifice in fighting the drug mafia. Penchalayya represented the voice of society against ganja and narcotics, he said.
Mr. Srinivas Rao also criticised the coalition government for privatising education and healthcare. According to him, the recent directives reveal that while the titles of ten medical colleges remain with the government, their management is handed to private companies, effectively giving public resources to private entities. He highlighted that under the PPP model, seats that were previously merit-based now require payments ranging from ₹8 lakh to ₹12 lakh, making it difficult for poor students to access quality education. He warned that privatisation of medical colleges could also limit healthcare access for the underprivileged and called for rescinding Government Orders 847, 107, and 108.
Published – December 03, 2025 08:23 pm IST
