Amid a series of questions being raised by opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy over public issues in Andhra Pradesh, a discussion is gaining traction in political circles that the Coalition Government is taking action only after he raises concerns. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) claims that the government has taken decisions on several issues after Jagan intervened, ranging from the problems faced by Guntur chilli and tobacco farmers to the reduction of aqua feed prices, restoration of the written examination for Veterinary Assistant Surgeon recruitment and reviews over drought conditions in the state.
Government Directives on Tobacco Farmers’ Issues
After Jagan questioned the government over the problems faced by Guntur chilli farmers and Podili tobacco farmers, the government issued directions to ensure that farmers do not suffer losses during tobacco purchases. It also instructed officials to ensure that the auction centres are fully operational.
The YSRCP has cited these government measures as an indication that the administration responded after the opposition leader raised the issue.
Aqua Feed Price Reduced by Rs 4 Per Kg
Jagan also raised concerns over the difficulties faced by aqua farmers following an increase in aqua feed prices and warned of agitation if the issue was not addressed.
Following this, the government held discussions with representatives of feed companies and took steps to reduce the price of aqua feed by Rs 4 per kg, according to the YSRCP.
Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Recruitment Decision Revised
The YSRCP had also objected to the government’s initial decision to fill Veterinary Assistant Surgeon posts without conducting a written examination.
Following the criticism, the government revised its decision and brought back the system of conducting a written examination through the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).
The development has been cited by the YSRCP as another instance in which the government changed its approach after opposition pressure.
Jagan Demands Immediate Declaration of Drought Mandals
Jagan reviewed the state’s rainfall deficit and farmers’ problems with party leaders on September 17. He demanded that the government immediately declare drought-affected mandals and warned that the YSRCP would launch a large-scale agitation if the issue was not addressed.
Around the same time, officials identified 513 mandals as facing drought-like conditions. The government also conducted reviews on drinking water shortages in several areas, including Visakhapatnam, according to the claims made by the YSRCP.
YSRCP Links Government Action to Opposition Pressure
From the Gade Saikrishna lockup death case to farmers’ problems, aqua feed prices, recruitment decisions and drought conditions, YSRCP leaders claim that the government has responded after Jagan raised each of these issues.
The YSRCP argues that these developments demonstrate the role of opposition pressure in bringing public issues to the government’s attention. As a result, the discussion over whether the Coalition Government is taking action in response to questions raised by the opposition leader has become a topic of interest in political circles.
