AP Women's Cooperative Finance Corporation Chairperson Peethala Sujatha urged a fair investigation into allegations against former minister Jogi Ramesh's family and questioned the YSRCP's silence.
Mangalagiri: Andhra Pradesh Women's Cooperative Finance Corporation (APWCFC) Chairperson Peethala Sujatha on Tuesday questioned the YSRCP leadership for not responding to allegations of dowry harassment and domestic abuse made by the daughter-in-law of former minister Jogi Ramesh.
Addressing a press conference at the TDP Central Office in Mangalagiri, Sujatha alleged that the episode reflected what she described as the YSRCP's "double standards" on women's issues. She questioned the silence of YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and other senior leaders over the allegations.
Referring to the complainant's accusations, Sujatha said the allegations of dowry harassment, physical and mental abuse, intimidation and other forms of harassment warranted a fair and impartial investigation. She argued that political affiliation should not influence the response to allegations involving women.
The APWCFC Chairperson also questioned why several women leaders in the YSRCP had not publicly commented on the issue despite, according to her, regularly speaking on matters concerning women's welfare and rights.
Sujatha said dowry harassment remains a serious social issue and maintained that any allegations against a former public representative should be investigated in accordance with the law. She called on the YSRCP leadership to clarify its position and respond to the allegations involving one of its former senior leaders.
She further alleged that women who criticised the previous YSRCP government had often been subjected to personal attacks and online abuse. According to her, such incidents reflected a broader attitude within the party towards women.
Sujatha also criticised what she described as the selective response of YSRCP leaders, alleging that they had remained silent because the allegations involved one of their own party leaders. She said such silence could undermine public confidence in the party's claims on women's empowerment.
Concluding her remarks, Sujatha said the Telugu Desam Party would continue to support the complainant's pursuit of justice and urged the authorities to ensure that the allegations are investigated fairly and without political interference.
Jogi Ramesh and the YSRCP have not publicly responded to the specific allegations and claims made by Peethala Sujatha in this press conference.
