YSRCP expressed concerns over the deteriorating safety of women under the coalition government, stating that incidents of attacks, harassment, and rapes against women have become alarmingly common, even in districts represented by the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, as well as in the Home Minister’s constituency, who is a woman herself.
Speaking to the media at the party’s central office, YSRCP spokesperson Shyamala criticized the government for not taking decisive action and pointed out that not a single culprit has been severely punished in the past four months. She emphasized that even the families of police officers are no longer safe, referring to an incident where the mother of a Circle Inspector was kidnapped and brutally murdered in Sri Sathya Sai district.
Shyamala further highlighted the case in Pithapuram, where a TDP leader allegedly kidnapped and assaulted a minor girl. She said that the police only registered the case after the victim’s family came under immense pressure. In another incident in Punganur, Shyamala criticized the police for not taking seriously the complaint of a missing girl, which could have saved her life. She also mentioned the case in Nandyal, where the body of a brutally murdered girl is still unidentified.
She stated that the TDP is spreading false information, especially through social media, and highlighted her own experience of being harassed after becoming a YSRCP spokesperson. Shyamala revealed that she has been receiving over 900 calls and thousands of abusive messages every day, with her phone number being circulated on TDP platforms.
Despite the harassment, Shyamala made it clear that she would not back down and would continue to stand up for victims. She also pointed out that women from the film industry are being targeted if they enter politics unless they align with the TDP.
In a separate press conference held in Visakhapatnam, YSRCP Women’s Wing President and MLC Varudu Kalyani expressed her outrage over the lack of safety for women in Andhra Pradesh, criticizing the government for its inaction. She condemned Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for not responding to the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by a TDP leader in his constituency, questioning the state’s commitment to protecting women. Kalyani also highlighted a recent incident where a police officer’s mother was kidnapped and murdered, reflecting on the deteriorating law and order situation.
Additionally, she criticized the government for failing to control the soaring prices of essential commodities, accusing it of colluding with businesses like Heritage Supermarket. She warned that if the government does not take swift action, her party will fight on behalf of the people to ensure safety and fair prices.
