Roja Demands Chandrababu Apologise to Women Over Remarks

Former minister and YSRCP leader RK Roja has demanded that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu apologise to women across Andhra Pradesh, alleging that his remarks on Independence Day were insulting and undermined their dignity.

Speaking to the media at her camp office in Nagari on Sunday, Roja alleged that Chandrababu had made comments that were disrespectful towards women and their self-respect. She claimed that the Chief Minister was targeting women because of concerns that they would question the government over the implementation of its Super Six and Super Seven election promises.

Roja objected to the Chief Minister’s remarks following an Independence Day programme in which women were brought to his residence in Palle Velugu buses and served lunch. She alleged that women were subsequently portrayed as having accepted money in exchange for their votes. Calling the remarks offensive, she said women should not be depicted as people who would sell their votes to anyone offering money.

She also accused Chandrababu of lacking the moral authority to speak about electoral money, referring to the cash-for-vote controversy in Telangana. In a sharp attack, Roja said his comments amounted to preaching morality despite his own political record. She alleged that money had been used to influence political developments during the episode involving NT Rama Rao, as well as in the cash-for-vote case.

Roja further accused the ruling coalition of supporting irregularities in the exploitation of sand, gravel, metal and granite resources. She challenged Chandrababu, Nara Lokesh, ministers and MLAs to contest the 2029 elections without spending even a rupee.

Roja said Chandrababu had sought women's votes by addressing them as “mothers and sisters” during the elections but was now making disparaging remarks about them. She demanded implementation of promised welfare measures, including pensions from 50 for SC, ST and minority beneficiaries, interest-free loans up to ₹10 lakh, Aadabidda Nidhi and ₹3,000 monthly assistance for unemployed women.

She also called for the restoration of the Disha Act, stronger measures against alcohol and ganja, and effective implementation of the government's election commitments. Roja said the administration should prioritise women's welfare and safety instead of making statements that she claimed damaged their dignity.