Outrage has spread throughout Andhra Pradesh following Sakshi TV journalist Krishnam Raju’s extremely objectionable comments on a live debate program, equating women of the Amaravati area with sex workers. The offensive comments have led to widespread criticism from the public, with most calling for Sakshi TV journalist Krishnam Raju, YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Bharathi Reddy to make public apologies for the offensive report and their lack of response on the issue.
The controversy was further fueled when senior journalist Kommneni Srinivasa Rao, who also featured on the same show, did not criticize the statements, and criticism was further rained on him and the Sakshi TV management for not objecting to such comments on the show. Citizens and women’s organizations have shown serious concern regarding the absence of editorial responsibility and accountability.
In response, protests have broken out across the state, with women staging demonstrations in front of Sakshi media offices, demanding justice and strict legal action against those involved. Many have called the remarks not only defamatory but also a direct attack on the dignity of Amaravati’s women, especially those from farming families who gave up their lands for the state capital’s development.
The former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also responded vehemently, turning to social media to declare his deep dismay and outrage over the matter. He labeled the remarks “vile and inexcusable,” and vociferously condemned the women and farmers who had made enormous sacrifices for the future of Andhra Pradesh being targeted. He pointed out that even farmers possessing merely an acre of land had given freely to the Amaravati capital cause, and subsequently participated in peaceful demonstrations against the atrocities they suffered.
Venkaiah Naidu went on to stress that agriculture is not only a source of livelihood but a lifestyle in Amaravati, and efforts put in by its citizens—particularly women—have to be respected. According to him, it is a serious offense to make such shameful and insulting comments about women, and this cannot be tolerated in a civil society, and asked that they be given severe legal punishments.
