Left parties demand withdrawal of UAPA case against Ravan

Vijayawada: Left parties on Monday alleged that democracy was under threat in Andhra Pradesh and accused the coalition govt of misusing stringent laws to suppress dissent. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the UAPA case registered against social activist Ravan and warned of statewide protests if the alleged harassment of those questioning the govt continued.At a joint news conference held after a meeting of Left parties at the CPM state office, CPM state secretary V Srinivasa Rao said the state was witnessing “disturbing developments” that undermined democratic values. He termed the registration of UAPA and sedition charges against a YouTuber and Ravan for allegedly criticising deputy chief minister

Pawan Kalyan

as unjustified. Srinivasa Rao alleged that those expressing dissent were being selectively targeted, while individuals who attacked police personnel or attempted to assault Ravan were not subjected to similar action.The Left leaders also criticised remarks made against actor

Prakash Raj

, describing the verbal attacks as undemocratic. They objected to allegations linking Prakash Raj with Ravan and questioned claims by a state minister that audio recordings existed to support such accusations. The leaders asked under what authority anyone could monitor private phone conversations and sought an explanation from the minister.They alleged that more than 1,500 social media-related cases were registered in the state, leading to over 1,300 arrests, and accused the authorities of acting swiftly against critics while delaying action in serious criminal cases.

CPI state executive member Donepudi Shankar questioned the application of the UAPA against Ravan, saying criticism of public figures should be countered politically rather than through criminal prosecution.SUCI(C) leader B S Amarnath described the use of the UAPA as contrary to democratic governance, while leaders of other Left parties echoed similar concerns and demanded the withdrawal of all UAPA and sedition cases. The Left parties warned that they would launch an agitation if the cases were not withdrawn and urged the state govt to uphold democratic principles and protect freedom of expression.