Political tempers flare in Andhra Pradesh over misogynistic remarks by YSRCP leader

Misogynistic remarks made against sitting TDP MLA from Kovvur, Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy, by YSRCP leader and former MLA Nallapureddy Prasanna Kumar Reddy have sparked a political storm in Andhra Pradesh.

In response, TDP supporters allegedly vandalised his residence, while Prasanthi Reddy lodged a police complaint accusing the YSRCP leader of using vulgar language laced with sexual innuendos and resorting to criminal intimidation.

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State Home Minister Anitha demanded that the YSRCP suspend Prasanna Kumar Reddy for his misogynistic public remarks.

According to the TDP, the former YSRCP MLA accused the Kovvur legislator of resorting to blackmail and alleged that she married Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy with ulterior motives, using sexually suggestive language during his speech.

In her complaint, Prasanthi Reddy said that Prasanna Kumar Reddy threatened her husband, stating that “he will be killed in his sleep or on the road.” She also noted that those present on the dais were seen clapping and whistling, encouraging the abusive speech.

“These repeated verbal assaults and gendered attacks on women by YSRCP leaders are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of political misogyny and moral policing aimed at silencing women leaders through shame and fear. Such behaviour directly incites anti-social elements to commit further crimes against women, thereby posing a serious threat to social order and women’s safety,” Prasanthi Reddy stated in her complaint to the Nellore SP, demanding Prasanna Kumar Reddy’s immediate arrest and the filing of serious charges against him.

Meanwhile, Prasanna Kumar Reddy claimed that his residence was completely ransacked by a mob allegedly comprising supporters of TDP MP Prabhakar Reddy. He also alleged that the hard disk of his CCTV system was taken. The YSRCP accused the TDP of conspiring to eliminate Prasanna Kumar Reddy.

YSRCP leader Anil Kumar Yadav alleged that all 200 individuals involved in the attack were TDP leaders and supporters. Despite submitting a detailed complaint along with video evidence, he claimed that not a single person had been arrested. He demanded that attempt-to-murder charges be filed against both the TDP MLA and the MP.