Atchannaidu accuses Jagan of politicising fishermen’s issues

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has criticised former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of politicising the issues faced by fishermen while failing to address their welfare during the YSR Congress Party government’s tenure.

In a statement issued on Monday, Mr. Atchannaidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government neglected the welfare of fishermen by leaving compensation claims for families of fishermen who died in accidents unresolved and delaying diesel subsidy payments. He said the coalition government cleared 63 pending ex gratia claims worth ₹3.15 crore in July 2024 and released ₹9.90 crore towards pending diesel subsidy dues.

The Minister also alleged that the previous government had reduced the number of subsidised electricity connections by introducing a “zone” and “non-zone” classification. He claimed that the coalition government had removed the distinction, restored subsidised electricity connections, and sanctioned 12,500 new connections in 2026, taking the total number to 62,181.

Mr. Atchannaidu said the financial assistance provided to fishermen’s families during the annual fishing ban had been doubled from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per family, benefiting more than 1.28 lakh families in 2026-27.

The Minister maintained that the coalition government had strengthened welfare measures for the fishing community and alleged that Mr. Jagan’s proposed visit to Visakhapatnam was politically motivated rather than driven by genuine concern for fishermen.