Home Minister V. Anitha. File
| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO
Home Minister V. Anitha condemned the alleged attack by the YSRCP activists on women protesters at Podili in Prakasam district during the visit of YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday.
Addressing the media in Anakapalli district, Ms. Anitha said Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy was scheduled to meet tobacco farmers at Podili. Following the controversial remarks recently made by two journalists associated with a TV channel owned by Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s family, protests had erupted across the State. A group of women were staging a demonstration at Podili holding black balloons and placards, she said.
The police took all precautions to ensure the protests were peaceful and did not interrupt Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s convoy, Ms. Anitha said, and added that security personnel were deployed to prevent untoward incidents.
However, shortly after the convoy passed, YSRCP supporters allegedly began hurling footwear and pelting stones at the protesters, while some passed derogatory remarks at women, she said.
“It seems to be a pre-planned attack. The YSRCP is deliberately trying to create unrest, panic and disrespect women,” the Home Minister said, adding a male police constable and two female constables received injuries in the incident.
“When people protest and demand an apology for the derogatory remarks, the YSRCP leaders are replying with attacks,” she observed.
“Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy shows no respect towards women in his own family. How can such a leader be expected to respect women in Andhra Pradesh,” she wondered.
The previous YSRCP administration had failed to allocate ₹12 crore for maintenance of CCTV cameras, rendering many of them non-functional. In contrast, the NDA government was actively using modern surveillance tools such as drones to ensure public safety, the Home Minister said, adding that speedy action was being taken in respect of crimes against women.
Published – June 12, 2025 05:12 am IST
