Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) president K. Pawan Kalyan on Monday sharply criticized Home Minister Anitha over the rising crimes against women in the state, particularly citing recent rape and sexual assault incidents in Tirupati and Kadapa. Kalyan suggested that if he were in her position, the law and order situation in the state would be different.
Anitha is from Kalyan’s senior ally, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Kalyan, an actor-turned-politician, blamed the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, for the perceived inaction against criminals, including those who issued threats of death and rape to politicians and their families. He claimed this lack of action had emboldened criminals, worsening the law and order situation in the state.
“Rapists and criminals have become emboldened in Andhra Pradesh because the previous government did not take action against them,” Kalyan stated after inaugurating a science fair at a school in his Pithapuram constituency in Kakinada.
He also directed a strong message to Home Minister Anitha, urging her to be more active. Kalyan suggested that if he were to take over as Home Minister, the situation would change drastically. He also called on the newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP) to take stronger action against criminals.
While Kalyan’s comments did not directly threaten the Naidu government, they were a scathing criticism of the current state of law enforcement. His remarks came in the context of recent rape cases, including the arrest of a relative of a three-year-old rape victim in Tirupati, and the detention of about 10 accused in the Kadapa sexual assault case.
Kalyan recounted threats he had faced during the previous YSRCP regime, including death and rape threats against himself and female members of his family. He alleged that these criminals were not held accountable due to inaction by the police and the DGP, which he claimed emboldened them.
He also emphasized the need for stronger action, citing the example of Uttar Pradesh, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government has been known for its tough stance on criminals. Kalyan added that under the NDA government, law and order should not resemble that of the previous regime, calling for swift and decisive action against such criminals.
Kalyan also hit out at social media trolls, stating that they often issue violent threats whenever he speaks out on issues.
