Controversy erupted in Visakhapatnam when more than 20 students allegedly missed the Joint Entrance Examination (Mains) on Monday morning after being held up by the convoy of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

This incident happened near the Ayan Digital exam centre in Visakhapatnam's Pendurthi. Parents of at least 23 students gathered outside the examination centre, just expressing regret that entry was denied to their children. "Our children have been preparing for this exam for months. Losing out like this over something beyond their control is heartbreaking," said a parent.

Social media was abuzz with messages and videos, claiming that the Deputy Chief Minister's convoy movement caused road closure and delayed students travelling to the ION Digital Zone in Chinamushidiwada, where the exam was being conducted.

The Visakhapatnam City Police (VCP) issued a detailed response to these claims, rejecting them. In their reply, the VCP asserted that according to the examination instructions, candidates must report by 7 am, and gates would shut absolutely by 8 am. The police confirmed that the Deputy Chief Minister's convoy passed that area only at 8:41 am, that was well after the closure of the gates. "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," their statement said.

The police added, citing the attendance, that the number of absentees (including late-comers) for Monday's examination was 61 and that this was a lower figure than on previous days—absentees on those days had numbered 81, 65, and 76. The VCP went on to say that traffic on the BRTS road and adjacent service roads would be held no longer than 8.30 am, specifically to assist candidates in reaching the examination on time.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s Office (DyCMO) accepts that the matter is serious and afterward issued its own statement in response to it. Pawan Kalyan ordered an inquiry into the whole incident, demanding a thorough inquiry into traffic movement and the convoy movement along the route.

“The Deputy Chief Minister has clearly instructed that people should not face any difficulties during his tours,” read the DyCMO statement. “We have consistently told officials to minimise traffic disruptions, and the same protocol was followed during this visit as well.”

The DyCMO ordered the Visakhapatnam Police to verify how long the convoy disrupted traffic conditions, particularly at the locations where students were located, and whether any traffic control measure would affect access to the exam centre. The statement further mentioned the agreement among leaders of the coalition government, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, to limit the killing use of sirens and avoid creating inconvenience while traveling.

This incident highlights the challenges of managing VIP movements in urban areas, especially during critical events like national examinations. While VIP convoys are often necessary for security reasons, they can inadvertently cause significant disruptions to daily life. Ensuring that such movements are coordinated to minimize public inconvenience is crucial.

While the claims of the JEE candidates are serious and warrant investigation, it is essential to consider all perspectives and data before concluding. The outcome of the Deputy Chief Minister's ordered probe will be instrumental in understanding the situation fully and determining the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.

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