**Traffic Disruptions Cause Controversy for Students in Visakhapatnam**
A significant controversy has emerged in Visakhapatnam after more than 20 students reportedly missed their Joint Entrance Examination (Mains) on Monday morning, allegedly due to traffic disruptions linked to the convoy of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. The incident occurred near the Ayan Digital exam center in Pendurthi, prompting parents of at least 23 affected students to gather outside the examination venue, expressing their distress over their children’s late arrival and subsequent denial of entry. One parent lamented, “Our children have been preparing for this exam for months. Losing out like this over something beyond their control is heartbreaking.”
Social media quickly became a platform for outrage, with numerous posts and videos suggesting that the Deputy Chief Minister’s convoy caused road closures, delaying students on their way to the ION Digital Zone in Chinamushidiwada, where the exam was scheduled.
In response to the uproar, the Visakhapatnam City Police (VCP) issued a statement refuting these claims. They clarified that examination guidelines mandated students to arrive by 7 am, with gates closing strictly at 8 am. The police confirmed that the Deputy Chief Minister’s convoy passed through the area at 8:41 am, well after the gates had closed. “Hence, it is clear that the movement of the Hon’ble Deputy CM through that area cannot have any link to the late arrival of students,” the statement asserted. The VCP also highlighted attendance data, noting that the total number of absentees, including late arrivals, for Monday’s exam was 61—lower than previous days, which recorded 81, 65, and 76 absentees. Furthermore, they maintained that no traffic was obstructed on the BRTS road or adjacent service roads before 8:30 am to ensure smooth access for exam candidates.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s Office (DyCMO) acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and announced an inquiry into the incident. Pawan Kalyan has requested a thorough examination of traffic flow and convoy movement along the route. “The Deputy Chief Minister has clearly instructed that people should not face any difficulties during his tours,” stated the DyCMO. “We have consistently told officials to minimize traffic disruptions, and the same protocol was followed during this visit as well.” The DyCMO has directed the Visakhapatnam Police to investigate the duration of the convoy’s traffic disruption, the conditions on student routes, and whether any traffic control measures impeded access to the exam center.
The statement also emphasized that coalition government leaders, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, have agreed to limit the use of sirens and ensure their movements do not inconvenience the public.
**FAQ**
**Q: What caused the controversy regarding the Joint Entrance Examination in Visakhapatnam?**
A: The controversy arose when over 20 students missed their exam due to alleged traffic disruptions caused by the convoy of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, leading to parents expressing their concerns about the situation.
