YS Jagan: Fishermen Betrayed in Juvvaladinne Harbour Issue

YSRCP president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday alleged that the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour stands as yet another example of the “injustices” prevailing in the state.

During his visit to the harbour, Jagan interacted with local fishermen and listened to their grievances before addressing the media.

He said that during the YSRCP government’s tenure, port-led development projects worth ₹26,000 crore were undertaken across the state. “We laid the foundation for four new ports, developed 10 fishing harbours and six fish landing centres to improve the livelihoods of fishermen. All necessary clearances were obtained, and works were expedited by establishing a Maritime Board,” he said.

Jagan recalled that the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour was virtually inaugurated on March 12, 2024, and added that plans were in place to provide 1,250 mechanised boats to fishermen. “Had we returned to power, these boats would have already been distributed,” he said.

He further noted that works on Machilipatnam and Mulapeta ports had reached 35 per cent completion, while projects at Kakinada and Ramayapatnam ports were also progressing swiftly. “We designed these initiatives to boost Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth,” he added.

Questioning the present coalition government, Jagan asked why the remaining works had not been completed. “It has been two years since this project was completed and over a year and a half since it was dedicated to the nation. Why has it still not been handed over to fishermen?” he questioned.

Launching a sharp attack on the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, Jagan alleged that it had failed to safeguard the interests of fishermen. “Instead of supporting them, efforts are being made to displace fishermen from Juvvaladinne,” he said.

He claimed that local fishermen had seized boats from Tamil Nadu and handed them over to the police, but the vessels were later removed without any action. “Has even a single arrest been made in the case? Those in power themselves are responsible, which is why no action has been taken,” he alleged.

Jagan also accused ruling party leaders of acting against the interests of fishermen. “TDP MPs and MLAs are working together to undermine fishermen’s livelihoods. Those who took away the seized boats have the blessings of the Chief Minister’s son,” he charged.

Expressing confidence about a political comeback, Jagan said, “Three years will pass in the blink of an eye, and the YSRCP will return to power. Once we are back, we will relocate the private defence company from here. Not just Juvvaladinne, all ten fishing harbours belong to fishermen. Fishing harbours are their right, and no one can take them away.”

He asserted that the rights of fishermen over these harbours would be protected at all costs.