YSRCP protests against privatisation of Medical colleges

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government is facing growing protests over its decision to privatise new medical colleges, a policy that has become a major point of contention with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The YSRCP has initiated a "Chalo Medical Colleges" movement to oppose the move, which it claims will be detrimental to public health and education.

The controversy stems from the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government's ambitious plan to establish 17 new medical colleges. Of these, five colleges have already completed admissions and are currently holding classes. The YSRCP accuses the current Chandrababu Naidu government of halting the completion of the remaining colleges, citing financial burden as an excuse, and attempting to hand them over to private entities.

The TDP government has announced its intention to develop 10 colleges through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. As a first step, it has invited tenders for four colleges in Adoni, Markapur, Madhanapalle, and Pulivendula.

In response, the YSRCP's youth and student wings organised widespread protests at medical college sites across the state on Friday. They accuse the Naidu government of neglecting public welfare by redirecting funds towards projects like the capital city of Amaravati while "completely destroying the state." The protestors organised bike rallies, which were reportedly controlled by the police at various locations.

The timing of the protests, while the state assembly is in session, is being seen as a challenge to the government's authority. YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced that he will personally visit these colleges to expose the government's "conspiracy" to the public. This has further energised his party's cadre.

The medical college issue appears to be a major political headache for the Naidu government, which remains firm on its decision, stating it will not back down and will proceed with the privatisation of the colleges. This ongoing conflict suggests the matter will continue to be a significant flashpoint in the state's political landscape.

Incidents and clashes

• Legislative council uproar: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council was repeatedly adjourned as YSRCP members protested loudly, demanding an immediate debate on the privatization issue. The uproar and sloganeering continued despite repeated requests for order from the Council Chairman.

• Widespread protests: YSRCP youth and student wings led demonstrations at various medical college sites. These protests reportedly caused high tension in areas like Sattenapalli and Parvathipuram, where protestors allegedly blocked roads and hospital entrances.

• Clash with Police: In Machilipatnam, tensions flared, with former minister Perni Nani reportedly involved in a clash with police during the protest.

Arrests and detentions

In a move to contain the protests, the police took action against several YSRCP leaders.

• In Narsipatnam, former MLA Uma Shankar Ganesh was arrested in connection with the protests.

• In Kurnool, senior YSRCP leader Reddy Siddhartha Reddy was placed under house arrest to prevent him from participating in the "Chalo Medical Colleges" protest.