Politics

Women being used in politics is the new low in Andhra Pradesh. When will this stop?

Abuse. Drugs. Liquor. Land settlements. Corruption. Sexual Innuendos. This is how a normal day progresses in Andhra Pradesh’s political scenario nowadays. But, November 19th, 2021 remains a page-turner. It was a day when the Assembly witnessed unforgettable scenes. 

From dragging a seasoned politician’s wife into the discussion to using voyeurism referring to women, the ruling YSR Congress’ MLAs left no stone unturned in hitting new lows on the floor of the House. While TDP Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu broke down at a press conference following this insult, he vowed to only return to the Assembly after becoming the chief minister again.

But, what this incident raises is: Several questions on the current political scenario in Andhra Pradesh. Should there be a decorum in the Legislative Assembly? Should there be rules on what needs to be discussed and what shouldn’t be? Is the Speaker’s position being misused? 

Personal attacks

The abuse and filthy language against women or using them to personally attack male politicians has been normalised in Andhra Pradesh. Whether one considers YSRCP MLA Roja or even some of them who made objectionable and unacceptable comments in the Assembly, this has been the lowest ever seen behaviour in the politics and history of Andhra Pradesh. 

Interestingly, the YSRCP politicians do not feel it is a wrong culture of abuse that is being propagated. Even Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy’s sarcastic laugh throughout the recent episode clearly reflects how sadism has crept into political narrative in the state. 

How this incident on November 19, 2021 is going to shape the politics of Andhra Pradesh from here on is yet to be seen. According to analysts, it could spell doom for the YSRCP government which is soon going to face a leadership crisis. 

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Tejaswini Pagadala

Communications Consultant: TEJASWINI PAGADALA is an independent communications consultant. She has previously worked with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office as the Communications Officer where she has written English speeches for the CM, managed English media communication from the CMO and handled social media accounts of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and the Government.
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