The CPI(M) has opposed the State government’s urban development policies, alleging that “G.O. 673 paves the way for large-scale privatisation” of municipal assets and civic services across the State.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday,  party State Secretariat member Chigurupati Babu Rao and State Committee member D. Kasinath accused the NDA government of attempting to convert municipalities into commercial entities under the banner of Viksit Andhra Pradesh’.

Mr. Babu Rao alleged that the G.O. would enable the leasing and commercial exploitation of municipal assets, including vacant lands, commercial complexes, office buildings, parks, auditoriums and stadiums. He claimed that assets belonging to 123 municipal corporations and municipalities, as well as 21 urban development authorities, could be handed over to private companies through long-term lease arrangements extending up to 99 years.

He further alleged that the government was moving towards commercialisation of civic services such as drinking water supply, drainage, sanitation and street lighting. He argued that the policy would reintroduce financial burden on citizens through user charges, which he described as a return of the controversial garbage tax that had previously faced public opposition.

According to Mr. Babu Rao, the government was using lack of funds for urban infrastructure as justification for increasing private sector participation. He contended that instead of mobilising resources for urban development, the government was transferring public assets and services to corporate entities.

He also raised concerns over the potential impact on municipal employees and workers, warning that privatisation could adversely affect job security and weaken local self-government institutions. He  alleged that public infrastructure projects, including roads and commercial properties in cities such as Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, were already witnessing increased private sector involvement.

Criticising the policy direction of both the Central and State governments, Mr. Babu Rao claimed that essential public services were being transformed into revenue-generating businesses, while citizens continued to face rising taxes and user charges.

Mr. Kasinath alleged that public assets were being treated as private property, and warned against the “gradual corporatisation of municipal governance.” He said the CPI(M) would mobilise public opinion and launch State-wide protests against the policy.

They  demanded the immediate withdrawal of G.O. 673 and called upon citizens, civic organisations and trade unions to oppose privatisation of urban public assets and services.