YSRCP holds statewide chalo medical college protests against privatization

Tadepalli, Sept 19: YSR Congress Party held massive “Chalo Medical College” protests across the state opposing the coalition government’s move to privatize 10 newly built government medical colleges. The agitation drew participation from students, youth, volunteers, and common citizens, raising one strong demand: “Government colleges must remain with the government.”

Protests were organized in every region. In Pulivendula, people recalled that Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government created 17 medical colleges with Rs. 8,500 crore investment, five already functional and two more approved for 2024–25. Amalapuram and Konaseema leaders, including Chirla Jaggireddy and Dadisetti Raja, burned Chandrababu Naidu’s GO on privatization, calling it a betrayal. At Adoni, Butta Renuka and youth leaders warned that privatization would crush the dreams of poor students. In Markapuram, Anna Rambabu declared he was ready for an indefinite hunger strike until the decision is reversed. Perni Nani and Devineni Avinash led huge rallies in Machilipatnam, while leaders in Rajahmundry, Eluru, and Vizianagaram were blocked or arrested by police but continued their sit-ins.

In Palnadu district, repression was severe. State spokesperson Nagarjuna Yadav and several student leaders were arrested, while former minister Vidadala Rajini was placed under house arrest. Despite barricades, leaders broke through and reached Piduguralla Medical College, energizing cadres.

Inside the Legislative Council, YSRCP moved an adjournment motion demanding debate on privatization. Leader of Opposition Botsa Satyanarayana condemned the PPP model as “anti-public health and a cruel policy no government ever imagined.” When the motion was rejected, YSRCP MLCs stormed the podium and forced adjournment.

The party vowed that all PPP agreements will be scrapped once back in power and medical colleges restored fully to the public, keeping alive the vision of Dr. YSR and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.