The evaluation blunder in Andhra Pradesh’s Class 10 board exam results has triggered a wave of disappointment and concern across the state. Students and parents have openly expressed frustration, questioning the education system’s credibility and the government’s commitment to fairness and accuracy. In the midst of rising public outrage, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief and opposition leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly criticized the ruling government for its alleged carelessness. He accused the administration of jeopardizing the future of thousands of students just to rush results for political gain.
However, Jagan’s remarks didn’t go unanswered. Responding sharply, TDP General Secretary and Minister Nara Lokesh launched a fierce rebuttal. Taking a dig at Jagan’s past, Lokesh alleged that the YSRCP chief was involved in malpractice even as a student, sarcastically remarking, “This is the same Jagan who was once caught lifting Class 10 papers — now preaching values?” He also slammed Jagan’s silence during his own tenure as Chief Minister, when, according to Lokesh, the education sector faced far more damaging setbacks.
Lokesh didn’t stop there. He laid out a list of alleged policy failures under the YSRCP rule. Among them were the discontinuation of midday meals and free textbooks for Intermediate students, actions that he claimed deprived many underprivileged students of basic academic support. He further criticized the government’s decision to post school teachers as guards at liquor shops, calling it a misuse of skilled educators and a setback to classroom learning.
Drawing attention to G.O. 117, Lokesh said the decision forced over 12 lakh students out of government schools and into private institutions. He also faulted the abrupt rollout of the CBSE curriculum in state-run schools without proper groundwork. According to him, the lack of preparation resulted in a 30% student failure rate once exams were conducted.
Lokesh also attacked what he called hollow promises about international education standards. He highlighted the ₹5 crore spent on a mere feasibility report for the IB (International Baccalaureate) program and criticized the introduction of TOEFL training in schools without having qualified teachers in place. “The government talked big about global learning, but couldn’t even implement the basics,” he said.
Adding to his critique, Lokesh accused the previous YSRCP government of serious financial mismanagement in education. He claimed that around ₹4,500 crore in fee reimbursement was left unpaid, along with pending dues of ₹1,000 crore meant for school supplies like eggs and ribbons. He further alleged that teacher transfers became a corruption hotspot, with bribes reportedly being collected for postings — an “open secret” in educational circles, he said.
Nara Lokesh labeled Jagan a failure both in public office and as a leader. “While they left behind a broken education system, we are now working round-the-clock to rebuild it. Our mission is clear — to provide quality education and restore trust among students, teachers, and parents in Andhra Pradesh,” he concluded.
