The YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday hit back at the TDP for its ‘irresponsible comments’ on party leader YS Sharmila, the sister of party President YS Jaganmohan Reddy. Sharmila has been in the news since she lodged a complaint with the Hyderabad police earlier this week, seeking action against those trying to defame her by posting objectionable comments on social media. She alleged that the TDP was behind the conspiracy.
Condemning Sharmila's allegation, TDP chief and Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had said that his party had never indulged in personal attacks and character assassination.
"How will you remain citizens of the state if you don't trust the state police? In that case, how can you contest the elections here?" Naidu had asked.
Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad on Thursday, YSRCP spokesperson Vasireddy Padma said, “The same false propaganda was unleashed against YS Sharmila before 2014 elections and it is a rewind of the same script ahead of the 2019 elections. The Chief Minister, instead of expressing concern over the matter has passed snide remarks, which shows the culture of the TDP which has never respected women at any point of time.”
“Andhra Pradesh holds the dubious record of placing itself on top of the table where atrocities against women are concerned and we have seen the conduct of state ministers and legislators who were charged with serious offences against women. We have also seen the lewd comments of TDP leaders at public gatherings degrading women and the CM made no effort to correct them and on occasions, was a party to such comments,” she added.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Sharmila had said, “Without any doubt I can tell that TDP is behind this campaign. It is not new for the TDP to spread rumours. Earlier, they spread rumours that my father Rajasekhara Reddy was a factionist. Many TDP leaders said that I have an affair with actor Prabhas. If the TDP did not have any involvement, why didn’t they condemn it. Why didn’t Chandrababu Naidu stop them?” she asked.
Condemning the vicious campaign, she said, “I have never met actor Prabhas in my life. Haven’t spoken to him even once. That person and I have no relation. I swear on my children, this is the truth.”