TIRUPATI: Tourism minister R.K. Roja lashed out at Telugu Desam Party leader Bandaru Satyanarayana for his alleged derogatory remarks against her, expressing her disappointment with TD high command's apparent support for such lewd comments.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, she went teary-eyed, accusing TD of resorting to character assassination following her departure from the TDP. She questioned whether TD members would tolerate similar indecent comments directed at their own family members.
Roja voiced her dismay over senior TD leaders Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu publicly backing Satyanarayana's statements. She underlined TD national general secretary Nara Lokesh’s social media platform X post condemning Satyanarayana's arrest. “Is this the way the TD treats women,” she asked.
The minister announced her intention to file a defamation suit against all those who had made objectionable comments and used unparliamentary language against her.
“If you try to stifle my voice, it won't succeed. I'll stand by our Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and women of our state as long as I'm alive,” she maintained.
Reflecting on her journey, Roja recounted the challenges she faced as a woman in a cutthroat, male-dominated environment four decades ago. “Despite initial setbacks, I persevered and successfully served as an MLA for two consecutive terms”, she said.
The minister questioned the silence of media outlets, urging them to stand against individuals who question the character of women in public life or workplace. “Chauvinistic individuals like Bandaru Satyanarayana not only target successful and vocal women, but also pose a threat to aspirations of young girls who seek to follow their dreams”, she underlined.
