VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council witnessed a heated exchange on Monday between the treasury benches and opposition YSRC MLCs during a discussion on the law and order situation in the State.
Responding to questions raised by YSRC MLCs Varudhu Kalyani, Kalpalatha Reddy, and Yesu Ratnam about the increase in crimes against women over the past six months under the TDP-led NDA government, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha launched a scathing criticism of the opposition.
She accused the previous YSRC regime of failing to ensure women’s safety, claiming that crimes against women were significantly higher during their tenure.
Anitha asserted that the preventive measures introduced by the current government have already resulted in a decline in such incidents. “Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy utterly failed to safeguard women during his five years in power. Between 2019 and 2024, crimes against women increased by 29% compared to the TDP’s tenure from 2014 to 2019,” she said.
Citing data, Anitha stated that 83,202 cases of crimes against women were registered between 2014 and 2019 under the TDP government, while the number rose to 1,00,508 during the YSRC regime.
She added that the NDA government, upon returning to power, prioritised women’s safety by strengthening She Teams, Bluecolt patrols, and women safety squads.
The minister also criticised the YSRC’s implementation of the Disha Act, alleging inefficiency in ensuring justice for women. “Despite inaugurating Disha police stations, the YSRC failed to arrest and punish offenders swiftly. Even the Fourth Lion app, introduced during the TDP regime, was rebranded as Disha and falsely claimed as their own initiative,” she remarked.
Anitha further demanded answers from the YSRC leaders about unaddressed incidents of rape during their rule and lambasted Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership. She concluded by reiterating the NDA government’s commitment to ensuring safety and justice for all, including the injustices faced by Jagan’s mother, Vijayamma, and his sister, YS Sharmila.
The discussion ended in chaos as YSRC members staged a walkout, accusing Minister Anitha of politicising the issue.