Rani Devalla Visakhapatnam

Ata time when ‘makeup’ is no longer considered a ‘decoration’ but a daily regimen as every other person wants to look good, dress up well and make heads turn, the debate is now centred on whether it is ‘politically’ correct or incorrect? Even HR professionals in major companies are keen on recruiting presentable and good-looking candidates for a number of posts they need to fill.

At workplaces, every employee wants to look presentable. From a maid who visits homes to clean up the mess and tasked with household chores to a BPO executive who sets aside a portion of her monthly-income to buy a new set of clothes she has been eyeing for quite a while, a teacher who experiments with a new neckline for a blouse she is planning to pair up with an old sari to an marketing executive who looks forward to visiting a saloon to groom himself well before hitting the market floor and a corporate employee who invests in branded clothes, professionals across domains are determined to turn up well at workplaces.

But is there any exception to look presentable in the political arena? Makeup, especially for women in public life, has never been a luxury. However, what astounds people now is how even a simple regimen could turn into a debatable topic among political circles. Even in the previous YSRCP government, an army of ministers presented themselves well whenever there was an occasion to celebrate, inaugurate or participate. Draping handloom saris, former minister Vidadala Rajini carries herself well during public appearances and official events.

Former Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharitha is known for her graceful sari styling. Likewise, YSRCP leader RK Roja is a well-dressed actor-politician. And so is Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi, fielded as the YSRCP MP candidate for the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 polls. The list seems to be endless. Makeup has become an integral part of women’s public life. However, in Andhra Pradesh, makeup has become a new standard defining women political leaders’ demeanour.

Referring to Home Minister Vangapaludi Anitha, former IT Minister Gudivada Amarnath made remarks on her makeup. “There is a ‘makeup’ minister for us. If she roams under the sun, a kilo of makeup melts away,” he was seen commenting. Apparently, his snide remarks drew controversy and criticism from various quarters.

Condemning his comments, representatives from women associations staged various forms of protests. Terming Amarnath’s derogatory remarks as highly ‘objectionable’, TDP women’s wing staged a dharna at the party office, throwing eggs at the image of the former IT Minister and performed a mock funeral for his effigy.

TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao demanded Amarnath to withdraw his comments and tender an unconditional apology to the Home Minister. There are umpteen serious issues to address. However, instead of focusing on them and working to resolve public concerns, ‘makeup’ row followed by resulting protests, makes one wonder how even a lipstick, powder and foundation could become politically disrespectful and murkier.