*20-hour delay put fishermen’s lives at risk: Vasupalli*

Visakhapatnam, July 6: Former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh strongly condemned the coalition government for its gross negligence in the Gangavaram fishing boat tragedy, stating that six fishermen went missing only because of the government’s failure, administrative collapse, and the irresponsible attitude of local public representatives.

Addressing the media at his camp office in Visakhapatnam, Vasupalli said the fishermen had informed their families that they had reached Gangavaram and would return within two to three hours, but their phones later stopped working and they never reached home. Though the families immediately alerted the authorities, rescue operations did not begin for nearly 20 hours. Even the Fisheries JD had not reached the harbour when he personally visited the spot, he said, adding that only one chopper was sent, exposing the government’s complete disregard for fishermen’s lives.

He said the weather department had already warned that the sea would be rough on July 3 and 4, yet the government failed to alert fishermen, activate a war room, or coordinate rescue systems. He said officials moved only after YSRCP leaders entered the field and demanded action. Local MP Bharat left for Hyderabad for the weekend, Home Minister Anitha reduced her response to a video call, Minister Lokesh remained silent, and neither the local Janasena MLA nor Pawan Kalyan acted with responsibility.

Vasupalli said one fisherman survived only because a Chinese boat rescued him, while Minister Atchannaidu shamelessly claimed credit. He said the technical warning systems that functioned during the YSRCP government have been made defunct under the coalition rule.

He said Chandrababu has more interest in beach shacks and liquor sales than fishermen’s lives. Demanding immediate deployment of all rescue resources, he said the government must trace the six missing fishermen and answer their families.