Be prepared to fight for the people: Jagan tells YSRCP MPs

With the Winter Session of Parliament beginning on Monday, YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy issued key directions to his party MPs, urging them to strongly raise issues affecting the state. He stressed that MPs must “be prepared to fight on behalf of the people” and focus on safeguarding Andhra Pradesh’s rights during the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha and 269th Rajya Sabha sessions.

Jagan instructed the MPs to highlight the challenges faced by farmers, labourers and vulnerable communities. He criticised both the Centre and the state government for failing to provide adequate compensation to farmers whose crops were devastated by the Montha cyclone in October-November. He said that farmers growing major crops - from paddy to chilli and mango - are suffering because they are not being paid minimum support prices and are being left at the mercy of traders.

He asked MPs to demand immediate resumption of MSP procurement and the release of emergency relief funds. Jagan also accused the current state government of burdening farmers by discontinuing the free crop insurance and input subsidies that were offered during his tenure. Suspension of e-crop registration, he said, has thrown farm records into confusion and left eligible farmers without compensation.

Another major concern he raised was the removal of 18.63 lakh job cards under the MGNREGA scheme, affecting lakhs of rural workers. He asked MPs to push for the restoration of genuine job cards and payment of pending wages.

Jagan also warned against what he described as “complete privatisation” attempts at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant by handing its units to private companies. He urged MPs to oppose this move in Parliament and demand allocation of captive iron ore mines to revive the plant.

On law and order, Jagan alleged that the situation in Andhra Pradesh has deteriorated, with politically motivated arrests and cases on the rise. He criticised the government for withdrawing security provided to several public representatives, claiming it puts their lives at risk.

He further directed MPs to bring up poor conditions in government hostels, where students reportedly lack basic facilities such as food, drinking water and hygiene.

Concluding his address, Jagan said the upcoming Winter Session must hear “the strong voice of Andhra Pradesh” on pending financial dues, employment opportunities, farmer welfare, and the protection of weaker sections.