BJP counters YSRCP’s ‘privatisation’ charge, defends PPP model

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Andhra Pradesh official spokesperson Sadineni Yamini Sarma has urged people to stay vigilant against what she termed the “false propaganda” being spread by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Ms. Yamini alleged that former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his team had “mastered the art of deceiving the public through misinformation campaigns.”

“Just as we warn people about thieves, I am warning citizens to beware of YSRCP’s lies,” she said, accusing Mr. Jagan of seeking publicity and taking undue credit for every project. She added that the people had already witnessed his performance and therefore reposed their faith in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

Refuting YSRCP’s allegations that the present government was “privatising” medical colleges, Ms. Yamini clarified that the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model was being misunderstood. “PPP is not privatisation; it is a collaboration between the government and private partners. The land, hospitals, and services remain with the government, while private players are only responsible for equipment and maintenance,” she explained.

Under this model, she said, beneficiaries would continue to receive free and advanced healthcare, with 70% of hospital beds reserved for general patients. Of the 1,500 MBBS and 240 PG seats, 50% will remain under government control. She further pointed out that the Central Government was bearing 80% of the project cost, ensuring that no injustice was done to the poor.

Ms. Yamini also accused Mr. Jagan of corruption and misuse of public funds, citing the construction of a “lavish palace” at Rushikonda using State funds. “When in power, he hid behind curtains; when out of power, he fled to Bengaluru,” she quipped.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Buchi Raju alleged that several medical colleges inaugurated by the YSRCP were incomplete and underfunded. “The NDA alliance government is now completing these projects with proper funding,” he said, adding that the previous regime acted like “a thief who cries ‘thief!’.”