Home Minister V. Anitha has condemned the remarks made by two television journalists during a political debate telecast on a channel owned by former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Addressing the media here on Sunday, Ms. Anitha said the journalists’ comments were not only offensive to the people, especially women and farmers of Amaravati, but were also deeply disrespectful to the State of Andhra Pradesh.
She alleged that the statements could not have been made without the knowledge or involvement of Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his wife Bharathi Reddy, who serve as the CEO of the channel.
Ms. Anitha alleged that the YSRCP leadership, including Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his supporters, had been consistently displaying hatred against Amaravati since 2019. “It is very unfortunate and painful to see the YSRCP leaders humiliating and targeting the farmers of Amaravati, who have sacrificed their lands for the capital,” she stated.
She also recalled that even during the Amaravati farmers’ protest for capital, the YSRCP leadership had created troubles for them during the term of the previous government.
Highlighting the NDA government’s balanced approach, Ms. Anitha recalled that action had been taken against a TDP supporter who made derogatory remarks against Ms. Bharathi Reddy. She challenged Mr. Jagan and Ms. Bharathi Reddy to show similar accountability by acting against the journalists in question.
Ms. Anitha also said that many complaints had been lodged against the journalists and the channel. She also said the department would pursue legal action against those involved, promising that nobody would be spared.
“If they have any ethics left, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Ms. Bharathi Reddy must publicly apologise to the people of Andhra Pradesh and the farmers of Amaravati,” Ms. Anitha said.
Published – June 09, 2025 04:48 am IST
