*Amarnath slams TDP's political drama*

Visakhapatnam, June 17: Former Minister and YSRCP Regional Coordinator Gudivada Amarnath clarified that his recent remarks were never directed against women but were a response to the uncivil and derogatory language repeatedly used by Home Minister Anitha against YS Vijayamma, YS Bharathi Reddy, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and YSRCP leaders. Addressing the media in Visakhapatnam, he said women deserve respect irrespective of political affiliation and that his family's three-generation political legacy has always upheld dignity and values.

Amarnath said the controversy was deliberately manufactured by the TDP three days after his speech to gain political mileage and divert attention from the coalition government's failures. He questioned the selective outrage of TDP leaders, asking why they remained silent when derogatory remarks were made against YS Vijayamma, YS Bharathi Reddy, former Minister Roja, and other women, or when leaders within their own party made objectionable statements about women.

He criticised Home Minister Anitha for addressing a former minister with phrases like "Who is he?" and "That fellow," saying such language reflects arrogance. It undermines the dignity of a constitutional office. He asserted that he stood by his remarks and would continue to strongly defend YSRCP leaders and workers against personal attacks.

The former minister said the coalition government was using manufactured controversies to divert attention from its complete failure on law and order. He pointed to rising murders, attacks on women, political violence, missing children, lock-up deaths, and the escape of a ganja smuggler from police custody, questioning the Home Minister's silence on these issues while remaining focused on attacking the opposition.

Amarnath reaffirmed YSRCP's commitment to women and Dalit empowerment, recalling that the late Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy first entrusted the Home portfolio to a woman and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy created history by appointing a Dalit woman as Home Minister. He stated that leaders who insulted Dalits and remained silent on derogatory remarks against women have no moral authority to lecture others on dignity or social justice.