TDP, YSRC clash over PPP in medical colleges

The Andhra Pradesh government's decision to adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) model for setting up new medical colleges has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the ruling NDA alliance, led by the TDP, and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

In September, the state government decided to implement the PPP model for establishing 10 proposed government medical colleges, with private players involved in construction and operations. The move has since become a major political issue, with former Chief Minister and YSRCP leader Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy launching a signature campaign against what he has termed the "privatisation" of medical education.

On Thursday, Jagan Mohan Reddy, along with senior party leaders, met Governor Abdul Nazir and submitted over one crore signatures collected from people opposing the PPP model. Describing the decision as a "major scam", he said the YSRCP could challenge it in court if required. He has also warned private players against participating in the bidding process, saying they could face legal action if the YSRCP returns to power. The ruling NDA alliance has dismissed the campaign as political rhetoric aimed at keeping the former CM relevant in state politics.