Tensions escalate in Vijayawada as BJP activists march to Congress office over NEET protests
Scuffles broke out in Vijayawada on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) when BJP workers staged a large protest and marched towards the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee
Scuffles broke out in Vijayawada on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) when BJP workers staged a large protest and marched towards the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) headquarters at Andhra Ratna Bhavan. The demonstration, led by BJP Andhra Pradesh president P.V.N. Madhav, was organised to oppose the recent protest staged by the Congress near the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi over the NEET-UG examination controversy. A.P. BJP chief P.V.N. Madhav and party workers scuffle with the police outside the APCC office in Vijayawada on Wednesday while trying to enter the premises. The party is protesting against the Congress agitation in Delhi over the NEET paper leak. Video: K.V.S. Giri pic.twitter.com/gnuICHjZcr — The Hindu - Andhra Pradesh (@THAndhra) July 22, 2026 The BJP workers assembled at the venue around noon, raising slogans against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi before taking out a rally.
They marched towards the Congress party office and gathered outside the premises, adding to the tension in the area. The BJP workers assembled at the venue around noon, raising slogans against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi before taking out a rally. They marched towards the Congress party office and laid siege to the premises, further escalating tensions in the area. Demonstrators carrying saffron BJP flags pushed past police barricades erected along the approach roads, leading to tussles with police personnel attempting to maintain order. Protesters held placards in Telugu questioning the Congress’s position on the NEET paper leak controversy and criticising the Opposition’s political stance. On reaching the Congress State headquarters, the BJP activists confronted Congress workers who had gathered inside the gated premises, waving party flags and shouting counter-slogans.
According to the BJP, the situation turned violent while the rally was in progress. The party alleged that Congress workers attacked BJP leaders and activists. It claimed that district vice-president Chaitanya Sharma, district president Adduri Sriram and party leader Paila Suresh sustained injuries in the attack. It further alleged that the assailants used weapons. Police personnel, including from the Armed Reserve and the task force, reached the spot and took measures to keep the situation under control. They intervened quickly, pushing back protesters and detaining some activists. Details regarding injuries, detentions or criminal cases were not immediately available. The confrontation stems from the nationwide political dispute over allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET-UG examination. The controversy erupted after reports that the NEET-UG paper had allegedly been leaked, prompting Congress protests in Delhi and several States demanding a court-monitored probe.
The BriefWire