YSRC Protests Against Privatisation of Medical College
YSRCP's opposition is to the alleged privatisation of 10 medical colleges, part of the 17 medical colleges, established during the previous Jagam Mohan Reddy-led government between 2019 and 2024.
Vijayawada: The YSRC held massive “Chalo Medical College” protests across the state opposing the coalition government’s move to privatise 10 newly built government medical colleges. The agitation drew participation from students, youth, volunteers, and citizens, with one strong demand: “Government colleges must remain with the government.”
Protests were organised in every region. In Pulivendula, party followers recalled that Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government had created 17 medical colleges with an investment of Rs 8,500 crore, of which five were already functional and two more had been approved for 2024–25. Amalapuram and Konaseema leaders, including Chirla Jaggi Reddy and Dadisetti Raja, burned Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s GO on privatisation, calling it a betrayal. At Adoni, Butta Renuka and youth leaders warned that privatisation would crush the dreams of poor students. In Markapuram, Anna Rambabu declared he was ready for an indefinite hunger strike until the decision was 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, police action 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, energising cadres.
