Leader of the Opposition YS Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly criticized the Alliance Government over its policies regarding Ramayapatnam Port, alleging that the government is attempting to hand over a strategically important public asset to private companies. His remarks come as YSRCP leaders continue to stage phased protests against the proposed privatization of the port.
Port-Led Development Was a Key Vision of the Previous Government
Jagan recalled that after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the YSRCP government identified port-led development as a crucial pillar for the state’s economic reconstruction. He said that Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, and Mulapeta ports were given top priority, with major milestones such as land acquisition, statutory clearances, financial closure, and APH agreements completed before June 2024. According to him, the Ramayapatnam Port project had already achieved significant construction progress during the YSRCP administration.
Major Industrial Investments Around the Port
Highlighting the economic importance of Ramayapatnam Port, Jagan pointed out that several large-scale industrial projects are being developed in the region. These include the BPCL Greenfield Refinery, a Petrochemical Complex, the Indosol Solar Giga Manufacturing Plant, and the JSW Steel Berth project.
He said these investments have the potential to generate thousands of jobs while contributing substantial tax and non-tax revenues to the state, making the port a vital long-term economic asset.
Alleges Government Is Selling a Profitable Public Asset
Jagan alleged that instead of treating the port as a long-term development asset, the TDP-led government is viewing it merely as an opportunity to generate immediate cash flows.
He claimed that although the government has already invested around ₹4,929 crore in the port, it is now preparing to hand it over to private entities for an upfront payment of only ₹1,500 crore. According to him, this would leave the government burdened with over ₹3,500 crore in debt and interest liabilities, while the profitable asset and its future revenues would go to private operators.
Sharp Questions to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
In a strongly worded social media post, Jagan questioned Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the proposed move.
“Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, what kind of economics is this? Is handing over a strategically important port, built with public money, to private players at a lower value really development? Or is it another disinvestment exercise that will ultimately cause huge losses to the state exchequer?” he asked.
Jagan asserted that the people of Andhra Pradesh deserve transparency in decisions involving major public infrastructure and questioned whether the proposed privatization truly serves the state’s long-term interests.
