Hans News Service Visakhapatnam

FormerIT minister and YSRCP regional coordinator Gudivada Amarnath said that his recent remarks were never meant against women but in response to unparliamentary language used by home minister Vangalapudi Anitha against Vijayamma, YS Bharathi Reddy and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for quite a while.Despite their political affiliation, Amarnath told in a media conference here on Wednesday, that women deserve to be respected and that his family political legacy that continued for three generations always upheld dignity and values.

However, Amarnath claimed that controversy was deliberately created over his remarks by the TDP three days after his speech to gain political advantage and divert attention from the coalition government’s alleged failures.

He questioned the selective outrage of TDP leaders, wondering why were quiet when derogatory remarks were made against Y S Vijayamma, Y S Bharathi Reddy, former minister R K Roja, among others, or when leaders in their own party made ‘objectionable’ statements targeting other women.

Referring to home minister Anitha’s recent comments such as ‘who is he?’, ‘that fellow’, addressing a former minister, Amarnath said it clearly indicates her arrogance. “No matter what, I will continue to defend YSRCP leaders and workers against personal attacks and stand by my remarks against the Home Minister as I did not say anything wrong,” he said. The former minister alleged that the coalition government is using ‘fabricated’ controversies to divert the attention from its failure in maintaining law and order in the state.

Pointing out to rising number of murders, attacks on women, political violence, missing children cases, lock-up deaths and the escape of a ganja smuggler from police custody, Amarnath questioned the Home Minister’s silence over such burning issues. “However, her attack on the opposition continues,” he remarked. Underlining YSRCP’s commitment to women and Dalit empowerment, Amarnath stated that leaders who insulted Dalits and were silent on derogatory remarks made against women have no moral right to lecture others on dignity and social justice.