Metro India News | PODILI 

Tensions flared in Podili after a peaceful protest by women demanding an apology from YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took a violent turn, with YSRC party activists allegedly pelting stones at the demonstrators. At least two women were reportedly injured in the attack.

The protest, held near the Podili bus stand, was organized by local women angered by Jagan’s silence and indirect support for derogatory remarks made against Amaravati women during a recent broadcast on Sakshi TV—a channel closely affiliated with the YSRCP. The protesters held black balloons and placards and raised slogans demanding that the opposition leader offer a public apology.

However, the situation quickly escalated when alleged YSRCP workers attacked the protestors by hurling stones. Police rushed to the scene and dispersed both groups, bringing the unrest under control.

Condemning the violence, Minister for Education and IT, Nara Lokesh, issued a strong statement denouncing the attack on peaceful women protestors and police. “YSRCP’s psycho gang has once again exposed its misogynistic mindset by attacking women voicing their concerns. This is not just cowardly—it's criminal. The culprits behind this disgraceful act will be punished severely,” he said.

Taking sharp aim at Jagan, Lokesh added, “This is the same man who comforted ganja dealers and rowdy-sheeters in Tenali just days ago. Now, he’s defending those who insult women as prostitutes. He who once manhandled his own mother and sister now pretends to care for the dignity of women—what hypocrisy!”

Lokesh further pointed out that Jagan had dragged his own mother and sister into court disputes and orchestrated slander campaigns against his own kin. “Expecting him to respect women is sheer naivety,” he said. The Minister demanded an unconditional apology from Jagan for the attack on women in Podili and the party’s continued endorsement of regressive and insulting rhetoric against Amaravati women.