YSRCP Rallies Across Andhra Pradesh Against Alleged Medical College Privatisation

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In a show of mass opposition, the YSRCP on Monday organised sprawling rallies and signature drives in all district headquarters of Andhra Pradesh as part of its one crore signature campaign against the alleged privatisation of government medical colleges. The rallies drew significant participation from party cadres, students, and citizens from diverse backgrounds. YSRCP leader RK Roja expressed her concern over the Centre's push for government medical colleges nationwide, while its ally in Andhra Pradesh is reportedly working to privatise existing institutions. Roja pointed out that neighbouring states like Telangana and Karnataka are actively setting up government medical colleges, whereas Andhra Pradesh is witnessing attempts to hand them over to private entities. Roja recalled that the previous YSRCP government had made considerable progress in establishing government medical colleges, securing permissions, mobilising funds, and completing nearly seven institutions before the change of government in 2019. She questioned Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's failure to establish government medical colleges, despite his extensive political experience, and instead allowed private players to take over road construction projects and municipal properties. The one crore signature drive, initiated by YSRCP supremo Jagan Mohan Reddy, reflects the widespread public resistance to the privatisation move. Once the petitions reach the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, Jagan and senior party leaders are scheduled to meet Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer on December 18 to submit the signatures and highlight public opposition to the alleged privatisation plan. The ruling TDP has yet to respond to these developments.