Is there any reason to attend the Assembly without LoP status?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Leader of Opposition status is essential for effective representation.
- Privatization of medical colleges poses risks to public health.
- Farmers face unprecedented challenges in accessing basic supplies.
- Accountability and transparency are crucial in governance.
- Collaboration among opposition groups can amplify voices for change.
Amaravati, September 10 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and president of the YSR Congress Party, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, asserted on Wednesday that attending the Assembly session is futile unless he is granted Leader of Opposition status. The upcoming State Assembly session is scheduled to begin on September 18, and the YSR Congress Party has declared that it will abstain from the Assembly unless Jagan Mohan Reddy receives the LoP designation.
During a press conference, he expressed that without the proper designation, participating in the Assembly session serves no purpose. He noted that the party would have sufficient opportunity to address public concerns only if recognized as the main opposition.
He emphasized that the opposition party must voice the people's concerns, stating that a failure to respect democracy reflects a lack of wisdom from the ruling party. Jagan also mentioned that the LoP status issue is currently under review by the High Court.
Last July, Jagan filed a petition requesting the state government to officially appoint him as the Leader of Opposition.
Furthermore, the former Chief Minister indicated that the YSR Congress Party would strongly resist the privatization of medical colleges and that he would actively participate in protests. He stated that this privatization initiative would be opposed vigorously, asserting that they would collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to compel the government to retract their decision. He warned that if the government persists with this course of action, it would be reversed when the YSR Congress Party regains power.
Concerning the ruling coalition's ‘Super Six Super Hit’ celebration, he labeled it a ‘Super Flop’. He accused the government of failing to fulfill electoral promises and criticized Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for deceiving the populace. He remarked that farmers have suffered due to Naidu's greed, and medical and health officials are burdened by corruption, questioning who benefitted from the Rs 2 lakh crore loans acquired by the government.
Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned the current issues faced by farmers regarding urea and other fertilizers, noting that they are now experiencing unprecedented difficulties and waiting in long queues to obtain urea. He stated, “The reason is clear; there is a lack of sincerity from the government. During our tenure, we prioritized farmers by establishing RBKs as a comprehensive solution for their needs. Urea allocations are being misappropriated by TDP cadres and middlemen, sold at inflated prices, and farmers are not receiving MSP. We created a Rs 3,000 crore Price Stabilisation Fund to support farmers during price fluctuations. Currently, Chandrababu and his associates are involved in a scam costing farmers Rs 200 to 300 crore,” he claimed.
He asserted that the YSR Congress government aims to establish a medical college in each district and has initiated the establishment of 17 medical colleges, with five now operational and five nearing completion, all with necessary permissions, land acquisitions, and financial backing. “We planned these colleges on 50 acres for Rs 500 crore. Chandrababu has maliciously denied the sanction of medical seats to Pulivendula while granting medical colleges to private entities in exchange for kickbacks. We will oppose this vigorously, as it threatens the healthcare system and allows private hospitals to exploit the underprivileged,” the YSR Congress Party leader stated.