*Women’s safety collapsed under Chandrababu rule: N Lakshmi Parvathi*

Tadepalli, March 14: Women’s safety has sharply deteriorated in Andhra Pradesh after the TDP-led coalition government came to power. Instead of protecting people, some elected representatives themselves have turned predators, creating an environment where women feel unsafe across the state. Women who approach the police after facing harassment or sexual assault are now witnessing the shocking situation of cases being registered against the victims themselves. Such developments have pushed the state police system to the bottom nationally in terms of performance.

The previous government introduced the Disha App to ensure round-the-clock protection for women and provide immediate police response. After coming to power, the present government deliberately weakened the system out of political hostility towards former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, putting women’s safety at risk. Despite making several promises to women during the elections, the coalition government has not fulfilled even a single commitment and has failed to provide basic protection.

Crimes against women are increasing across the state, affecting girls, young women and even elderly women. Instances have emerged where ruling party legislators themselves have been involved in misconduct against women, emboldening their supporters to behave in the same manner. Yet, there is no visible action against the offenders. Leaders who once promised that crimes against women would face the strictest punishment have reduced those assurances to empty words.

The coalition came to power claiming it would protect Hindu values and the sanctity of Tirumala, yet ignored serious allegations raised about individuals appointed to key positions. Even when controversies surfaced, accountability was missing. Similarly, promises made in the name of women’s protection have remained mere rhetoric without action.

During the tenure of YS. Jagan Mohan Reddy, women received economic support through welfare schemes and were encouraged with greater representation in public life. The Disha App strengthened the safety mechanism and ensured faster police response. The present government weakened those systems and misused the police machinery while focusing on diversion politics and constant attacks on the previous administration instead of addressing real issues affecting people, including women’s safety.