YSRCP Leaders Stage Fiery Bhogi Protests Against Medical College PPP Shift
YSR Congress Party leaders across Andhra Pradesh turned Bhogi celebrations into a platform for political protest. They vehemently opposed the state government's decision to shift proposed government medical colleges to Public-Private Partnership mode.
In a dramatic display of dissent, party cadres and leaders threw copies of the relevant government orders into traditional Bhogi bonfires. They argued this symbolic burning represented public anger against what they see as a detrimental policy shift.
Senior Leaders Voice Strong Opposition
Senior YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana launched a sharp attack on the government's decision. He stated the move essentially abandons governmental responsibility toward public health infrastructure.
"Converting government medical colleges into PPP institutions represents a clear betrayal," Satyanarayana declared. "We cannot allow medical education and healthcare to become playgrounds for private profit motives. This decision must be rolled back immediately."
Protest Timing Carries Symbolic Weight
Former minister Kurasala Kannababu explained the significance of staging protests during Bhogi festivities. He noted that while Bhogi traditionally symbolizes new beginnings and cleansing, the government chose this period to announce what he called a regressive step.
"Burning these GO copies reflects the genuine anger of ordinary people," Kannababu emphasized. "Citizens want accessible and affordable medical education, not policies that create barriers."
Concerns About Accessibility and Affordability
Party leader Ambati Rambabu raised serious concerns about the financial implications of the PPP model. He argued that government medical colleges primarily serve economically disadvantaged sections of society.
"By pushing these institutions into PPP arrangements, the government effectively closes doors on deserving students," Rambabu alleged. "Students from rural areas and backward communities will face the greatest hardship from this policy change."
Vijayawada Leader Warns of Long-Term Consequences
YSRCP leader Devineni Avinash, speaking from Vijayawada, highlighted potential long-term effects on public healthcare. He expressed concern that privatization under the PPP model would lead to commercialization of essential health services.
"When medical colleges operate under private partnership models, healthcare inevitably becomes profit-driven," Avinash stated. "This move contradicts fundamental principles of welfare and social justice that should guide public policy."
Protests Reflect Broader Public Frustration
Former minister RK Roja connected the political protests to wider public sentiment. She emphasized that the issue extends beyond partisan politics to touch core societal concerns.
"This protest addresses the future of our children and the health of our entire society," Roja asserted. "The government needs to listen carefully to the voices emerging from communities across the state."
YSRCP Vows to Continue Resistance
YSRCP leaders have made clear their determination to sustain opposition efforts. They declared protests would continue unabated until the government completely withdraws the PPP government orders.
The party demands restoration of all proposed medical colleges under full government control. They argue this remains essential for preserving affordable medical education and maintaining quality public healthcare infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.
