The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Friday, 9 October levelled sharp allegations against the NDA coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, accusing Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National President Chandrababu Naidu of destabilising the state's aquaculture sector and allegedly favouring aqua feed companies over poor and tenant farmers.

Allegations Against APSADA Dilution

YSRCP Party Coordinator Vaddi Raghuram, speaking to reporters in Tadepalli on Friday, alleged that the coalition government is attempting to weaken the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) Act — a framework that, according to him, was instituted by former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to protect aqua farmers' interests.

Raghuram alleged that the Naidu government issued a Government Order (GO) and, he claimed, misled courts by stating that three aqua farmers had been included as members in a committee, while allegedly moving forward to undermine APSADA. He demanded that Chief Minister Naidu publicly clarify when the meeting with aqua farmers was held, where it took place, and who the three purportedly handpicked members are.

'The coalition is favouring a few companies,' Raghuram alleged, without naming the specific entities.

Subsidy Rollback and Rising Feed Prices Hit Farmers

Raghuram pointed out that aqua feed prices have reportedly risen by ₹27 over the past six months, while the coalition government's touted subsidy amounts to just ₹1.50 — a figure he described as insufficient. He also questioned the reported withdrawal of power subsidies to farmers in June and July, for which, he said, no explanation had been provided.

Tenant farmers, Raghuram said, are bearing a disproportionate burden due to the government's policies, and he noted that the ongoing crop holiday is hitting them hardest. He claimed that during Jagan Mohan Reddy's tenure, the aqua sector received a subsidy of ₹3.60 crore.

Vivekananda Reddy Case Used for Political Gain, Alleges YSRCP

At a separate press conference, YSRCP leader and former minister Sake Sailajanath accused Chief Minister Naidu of exploiting the Vivekananda Reddy murder case for political purposes and allegedly attempting to prolong it. He alleged that individuals accused in the case have been appearing at TDP offices, addressing the media, and meeting with the Chief Minister.

'Despite the observations of the Supreme Court, Chandrababu Naidu is trying to keep the case alive for political advantage. His actions raise questions about whether he is acting in coordination with the accused and the petitioners,' Sailajanath said.

He further alleged that Naidu was using both the liquor case and the Vivekananda Reddy murder case to target YSRCP and extract political mileage, adding: 'People can see through these tactics. His manipulative and opportunistic politics are once again on display.'

What Comes Next

Raghuram said YSRCP would escalate the aquaculture issue 'to the next level' to ensure aqua farmers receive their due benefits, though specific steps were not outlined. The TDP-led NDA coalition government is yet to formally respond to Friday's allegations. With the aqua sector forming a critical component of Andhra Pradesh's coastal economy, the political battle over APSADA's future is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.