YSRCP Women’s Wing Demands Withdrawal of GO No. 362
The Andhra Pradesh government’s proposed Beach Shacks Policy has triggered widespread protests in Visakhapatnam, with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Women’s Wing leading a massive demonstration against the initiative. Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of Government Order (GO) No. 362, which permits the sale of liquor at beach shacks along the state’s coastline.
Thousands of Women Join Beach Road Rally
The large-scale protest rally was held on Visakhapatnam Beach Road, where thousands of women from Visakhapatnam and other districts of North Andhra participated voluntarily. As a mark of protest against the government’s decision, the participants carried black balloons, wore black ribbons, and displayed placards condemning what they described as anti-public policies. The rally echoed with slogans demanding that the government revoke the controversial order.
Senior YSRCP Leaders Extend Support
The protest received strong backing from senior YSRCP leaders. Among those who participated were Varudu Kalyani, Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi, Golla Baburao, KK Raju, along with several former MLAs and constituency coordinators. They expressed solidarity with the women protesters and reiterated the party’s opposition to the government’s decision.
YSRCP Alleges Government is Promoting a ‘Goa-Style Culture’
Addressing the gathering, YSRCP leaders alleged that the Chandrababu Naidu-led government is attempting to introduce a “Goa-style culture” in Andhra Pradesh by allowing liquor sales at beaches. They argued that the policy would transform the sacred and family-friendly Visakhapatnam coastline into a hub for alcohol consumption.
The leaders questioned whether families, women, and students would feel safe visiting beaches if liquor sales were permitted from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. They expressed concerns that the move, introduced in the name of tourism development, could compromise public safety, women’s security, and law and order.
Concerns Over Public Safety and Tourism
The protesters maintained that while tourism development is important, it should not come at the cost of public safety and the cultural identity of Visakhapatnam. They urged the state government to reconsider the Beach Shacks Policy and withdraw GO No. 362, arguing that promoting alcohol consumption in public beach areas would have adverse social consequences.
The demonstration highlighted the growing political opposition to the proposed policy, with YSRCP positioning the issue as one concerning women’s safety, family values, and responsible governance.
