Protests Erupt at Acharya Nagarjuna University Over Dropping YSR’s Name

A fresh controversy has erupted at Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) after authorities removed the name of former Chief Minister Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy from the University College of Engineering and Technology on campus. The move has triggered protests, student mobilization, and political accusations, turning an administrative decision into a wider debate on the role of political symbolism in academic institutions.

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Ponnur constituency coordinator Ambati Murali Krishna led a protest at the university’s main gate on Sunday along with party workers and student supporters, demanding immediate restoration of YSR’s name . He later submitted a memorandum to In-charge Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gangadhar Rao . Murali Krishna alleged the removal violated established procedures and argued that an in-charge VC does not have the authority to take such a major decision. He also accused activists of the Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF) of obstructing his entry, locking the university gates, and creating a hostile atmosphere. Police presence was required to maintain order as tensions escalated.

The controversy follows renewed demands from the TNSF the student wing aligned with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that educational institutions should not be named after political leaders. The organization has raised this demand since the coalition government assumed office, arguing that academic institutions should remain politically neutral. After submitting a fresh representation to university authorities, the administration reportedly expedited the process that resulted in the removal of YSR’s name .

The decision sparked sharp reactions from YSRCP leaders and supporters, who argue that the name was originally conferred through due process and accuse the present government of attempting to erase the late leader’s legacy. They have called for transparency in the decision-making process and urged the university to disclose the official resolution under which the change was made.

Murali Krishna accused the government of political vendetta and expressed confidence that the YSRCP would return to power in 2029. He stated that, if voted back to office, the party would restore YSR’s statue on campus and reinstate his name to the engineering college within 24 hours. Protesters, including party affiliates and student representatives, raised slogans against the government during the demonstration.

Established in 1976 , Acharya Nagarjuna University is a key public institution serving the Guntur region. Its engineering college, launched in 2009 , plays a significant role in providing affordable technical education to students across Andhra Pradesh.

The episode reflects a recurring national debate over whether public institutions should bear the names of political leaders. Supporters view such naming as recognition of public service and welfare contributions, while critics argue it politicizes educational spaces. With both student groups and political parties intensifying pressure, the issue has evolved into a politically sensitive controversy with broader implications.