97; a quiet administrative move that could reshape polytechnic education in the state. Their demand? Keep polytechnics under SBTET, not merge them with Young India Skill University. Why does it matter? Because students’ entry into engineering via ECET and lateral admission hinges on SBTET recognition; something the merger could jeopardize. The protest turned tense when SFI leaders were detained after attempting to march to Dharna Chowk, where permission was reportedly denied. With police taking away Rajinikanth, Nagaraju, and others, the mood is charged. If the government doesn’t back down, SFI vows state-wide protests. This isn’t just about institutional mergers; it’s about access, recognition, and the future of technical education for thousands of students.