Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani alleged that the YSRCP promoted a culture of evading accountability while asserting that the NDA government is committed to justice, tribal welfare, transparent governance and the rule of law.
Mangalagiri: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Women, Child Welfare and Tribal Welfare Gummadi Sandhya Rani on Monday alleged that evading arrest after committing crimes had become a pattern within the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), while asserting that the NDA coalition government was committed to ensuring justice, transparency and the rule of law.
Addressing a press conference at the TDP Central Office, NTR Bhavan in Mangalagiri, the Minister said the government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was implementing welfare programmes transparently while ensuring that no individual involved in criminal activities remained beyond the reach of the law.
Sandhya Rani alleged that the previous YSRCP government misused the "Navaratnalu" slogan while allowing individuals facing serious allegations to enjoy political protection. She claimed that several former ministers and leaders were shielded despite accusations against them, describing it as part of the YSRCP's political culture.
Referring to a recent road accident in Srikakulam district, the Minister alleged that the son of former minister Seediri Appalaraju was involved in the incident and claimed that attempts were made to implicate an innocent person instead of the actual accused.
She also criticised YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleging that he chose to visit the family of the accused rather than offering condolences to the bereaved family. She further took exception to his reported remarks regarding the victim's age, describing them as insensitive.
The Minister also condemned the reported misconduct of an individual identified as Chintada Ravi towards a woman Sub-Inspector during the visit.
She said any disrespect towards women, particularly police personnel performing official duties, was unacceptable and should not be justified under any circumstances.
Sandhya Rani alleged that YSRCP leaders often commit offences, create unrest and later portray lawful police action as political vendetta.
She maintained that the coalition government respects the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and is committed to functioning strictly within the legal framework.
"No one is above the law. Those who commit crimes cannot escape punishment, irrespective of their position or influence," she asserted.
The Minister said North Andhra is witnessing rapid development under the coalition government, citing the progress of the Bhogapuram International Airport, efforts to strengthen the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, attract investments from companies such as Google and TCS, and advance the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone.
According to her, these initiatives are creating employment opportunities and strengthening the region's long-term economic prospects.
Sandhya Rani also spoke about GO No. 3, stating that it reflected Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's vision of empowering tribal communities through education and employment.
She noted that the policy, introduced in 2000, reserved teacher posts in Scheduled Areas for local Scheduled Tribe candidates, thereby creating employment opportunities and improving education in tribal regions.
Although the Supreme Court struck down GO No. 3 in 2020, she said the coalition government remains committed to protecting its spirit by pursuing all constitutionally valid measures to safeguard educational and employment opportunities for tribal communities.
The Minister alleged that the pace of development in North Andhra had unsettled the YSRCP leadership and claimed that the Opposition was resorting to political campaigns instead of acknowledging the government's achievements.
Concluding her address, Sandhya Rani reiterated that the coalition government would continue to deliver welfare without discrimination, promote inclusive development and ensure fair enforcement of the law.
