Controversy Erupts Over 'Makeup Minister' Remark
A significant political controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh between the YSRCP and the TDP following remarks made by former minister Gudivada Amarnath. During a party meeting in Chodavaram on June 12, Amarnath made a reference to a 'makeup minister,' widely perceived as targeting Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. He stated, 'If she stands in strong sunlight, a kilogram of makeup will melt off. That would be sufficient to apply putty to an entire wall.' Clips of his speech went viral on social media on Wednesday, sparking outrage within the TDP and leading to a war of words between the two parties.
TDP's Strong Condemnation
The ruling alliance accused the YSRCP of making derogatory remarks against a woman and Dalit minister. Several TDP leaders demanded an apology from Amarnath, while YSRCP leaders accused the ruling party of politicizing the issue. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh strongly supported Anitha. TDP women leaders also lodged a formal complaint with the State Women's Commission, seeking action against Amarnath. Anitha described the remarks as 'not merely an insult' but a 'vile, casteist attack aimed at humiliating a woman and Dalit holding a constitutional office.' She added, 'The language he used is so disgraceful that it cannot even be repeated in public. That fact alone exposes the culture YSRCP has nurtured and normalised. I have faced such attacks throughout my life, and each one of them has only strengthened my resolve.'
Lokesh and Pawan Kalyan React
Nara Lokesh expressed pain over the insulting remarks, questioning, 'Even former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy reportedly praised Amarnath for making such comments. What kind of politics are they pursuing? If similar remarks were made against Bharathi Reddy or Jagan's own daughters, would they accept? Is this the respect they show towards women?' Pawan Kalyan condemned the remarks as 'highly objectionable' and 'not just insulting to Anitha, but insulting to every woman.'
Amarnath's Clarification
Reacting to the controversy, Amarnath clarified that his remarks were a response to the 'uncivil and derogatory language' repeatedly used by Anitha against YS Vijayamma, Bharathi Reddy, Jagan Mohan Reddy, and other YSRCP leaders. He stated, 'The controversy was deliberately manufactured by the TDP several days after my speech to gain political mileage and divert attention from the government's failures. YSRCP is committed to women and Dalit empowerment, following in the footsteps of late Chief Minister Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy, who first entrusted the home portfolio to a woman, while Jagan Mohan Reddy created history by appointing a Dalit woman as home minister.'
Political Rivalry Deepens
The political rivalry between Anitha and Amarnath has been ongoing for several years. This latest incident is likely to further deepen the rift between the two parties.
