YSRCP protests government plan to permit alcohol sales on Andhra beaches

Former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar led a protest in Visakhapatnam on Saturday against the state government’s decision to authorize beer and wine sales at beach locations. The opposition party argues that the policy, inspired by Goa’s tourism model, threatens public safety and undermines the cultural values of Andhra Pradesh.

Editorial·June 20, 2026·reads: 1,044

YSRCP protests government plan to permit alcohol sales on Andhra beaches

The government intends to boost tourism revenue by allowing designated beach shacks to sell alcohol, aiming to align local infrastructure with international standards. Officials argue this expansion will enhance the visitor experience and stimulate the regional economy.

During the demonstration, Ganesh Kumar launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, accusing the administration of prioritizing commercial gain over the social fabric of the state. The YSRCP leadership maintains that the move is fundamentally incompatible with the region's character and has vowed to continue their agitation until the government officially rescinds the order.