YSRCP Protests AP Government Plan To Allow Beer And Wine Sales At Beaches

The opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly opposed the Andhra Pradesh government's decision to allow the sale of beer and wine at designated beach tourism facilities, calling for the policy to be withdrawn immediately.

The party staged a protest in Visakhapatnam on Saturday against the government's move, which is aimed at promoting tourism through the establishment of beach shacks along the state's coastline. YSRCP leaders and activists gathered on Beach Road and accused the coalition government of prioritising commercial interests over public welfare and safety.

The demonstration was led by former Visakhapatnam South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar , who criticised the policy and alleged that it was inconsistent with Andhra Pradesh's social and cultural values.

Addressing the gathering, Ganesh Kumar launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , claiming that the government had failed to protect the state's social harmony and public interests. He argued that permitting alcohol sales at beaches could have adverse consequences for public safety and the character of popular tourist destinations.

The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed allowing beer and wine sales at specially approved beach shacks as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and provide visitors with facilities comparable to those available in internationally recognised coastal destinations. Officials have maintained that the initiative is intended to enhance the state's tourism appeal and strengthen the local economy.

However, the YSRCP has rejected the rationale behind the policy, contending that tourism development should not come at the cost of public safety and community concerns. Party leaders alleged that the government was focusing excessively on revenue generation while ignoring potential social repercussions.

The opposition party warned that it would continue its protests and public campaign against the policy until the government revokes the order permitting alcohol sales at beach tourism establishments.