Growing Public Opposition to the Coalition Government
Criticism is mounting against the Andhra Pradesh Coalition Government, with opposition parties alleging that public dissatisfaction has grown within a short period of the government assuming office. They accuse the government of failing to fulfil several key election promises while simultaneously taking policy decisions that have triggered protests from multiple sections of society. Workers, farmers, students, women, and various employee unions have taken to the streets across the state, demanding immediate resolution of their grievances, turning the issue into a major political debate.
Privatization Plans Spark Opposition from RTC Employees
Labour unions have alleged that the government, despite promising to safeguard public sector institutions, is now moving towards privatization. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) has strongly opposed the government’s decision to allow private operators under the electric bus initiative and lease valuable RTC depot lands.
The employees’ unions are demanding the recruitment of nearly 12,000 vacant posts and the procurement of around 4,000 new buses to strengthen the public transport system. They have warned of statewide protests if their demands remain unaddressed.
Municipal Workers Demand Job Security
Municipal workers have also intensified their agitation against the government’s policies. They are demanding the withdrawal of Government Orders (GOs) No. 975 and 673, which they claim promote the privatization of civic services.
The workers have organized padayatras and protest demonstrations across the state, insisting that the government implement High Court directions by regularizing their services and extending retirement benefits. They argue that despite repeated assurances, their long-pending demands continue to be ignored.
Anganwadi Workers Seek Wage Hike
Anganwadi workers have expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to implement its election promise of increasing their salaries. They are demanding a minimum monthly wage of ₹26,000 and the withdrawal of mobile applications that, according to them, have significantly increased their workload.
As part of their agitation, Anganwadi workers staged protests and laid siege to the Kakinada Collectorate, urging the government to honour its commitments.
Farmers Voice Concerns Over Agricultural Distress
Discontent is also growing among farmers, particularly tobacco cultivators, who are demanding a remunerative price of ₹25,000 per quintal for their produce. They have staged demonstrations outside district collectorates, alleging that even the minimum support price is not being realized at auction centres.
Meanwhile, the Handloom Joint Action Committee has alleged that rising raw material costs and the lack of employment security have pushed the handloom sector into a severe crisis. The committee has called for statewide protests to press for its demands.
Students Protest Over Fee Reimbursement Delay
Student organizations have accused the government of delaying nearly ₹7,000 crore in fee reimbursement payments, causing severe hardship for thousands of students.
According to the student unions, colleges are withholding hall tickets, certificates, and other academic services due to unpaid fees. Students have staged protests at district collectorates, demanding the immediate release of pending reimbursements and improvements in hostel facilities.
Allegations of Police Crackdown on Protesters
The government is also facing criticism over allegations of suppressing public protests through police action instead of addressing people’s concerns.
A recent incident involving displaced families from the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant project drew attention after police detained several participants during a community protest demanding employment. Opposition parties have termed the action undemocratic and accused the government of stifling democratic dissent.
Beach Shacks Policy Triggers Fresh Controversy
Another contentious issue is Government Order (GO) No. 362, which permits liquor sales through beach shacks in coastal areas.
Women’s organizations and opposition parties have strongly opposed the decision, arguing that it could negatively impact public safety and social order. They have urged the government to reconsider the policy.
Rising Electricity Charges and Drinking Water Issues
Opposition parties have also criticized the government over increased electricity charges, alleging that they have imposed an additional financial burden on ordinary consumers.
In several regions, including Rayadurgam, residents have staged road blockades carrying empty water pots to protest the acute drinking water shortage. Protesters claim that the government has failed to address basic civic needs despite repeated representations.
Opposition Alleges Governance Failure
The opposition maintains that instead of focusing on fulfilling election promises and resolving public grievances, the government is prioritizing privatization while attempting to suppress public movements through police action.
Political observers note that if the government fails to respond effectively to the growing concerns of workers, farmers, students, women, and other sections of society, public dissatisfaction could intensify further, posing significant political challenges in the coming months.
