Hyderabad: Congress Leader Ashok Protest Against KTR’s Comments on Free Bus Travel
In a recent development in Hyderabad, Paidakula Ashok, the Congress president of Mulugu district, staged a dramatic protest by burning an effigy of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR). This action came in response to KTR’s remarks regarding the Congress party’s free bus travel scheme for women.
The controversy erupted after KTR criticized the initiative, which was a key promise made by Congress leader Revanth Reddy during last year’s Assembly elections. KTR’s comments, which included a reference to women potentially using the free bus service to perform household tasks and even “break dance,” were perceived by many as disrespectful towards women.
Ashok’s protest highlighted the Congress party’s discontent with KTR’s remarks, suggesting that despite BRS’s loss of power, KTR’s attitude remained unchanged. The Congress leader underscored the importance of the free bus travel scheme as a significant step towards women’s empowerment and criticized KTR for belittling the initiative.
The Telangana State Commission for Women (TSCW) has taken note of the controversy and initiated a suo moto inquiry into KTR’s comments. Chairperson Sharada Nerella confirmed that the Commission acted on a media post by KTR, representing the serious concerns over the alleged derogatory nature of his statements.
KTR has since expressed regret for his comments, acknowledging that his remarks were considered offensive. The incident has sparked a broader discussion on the respect and dignity afforded to women in public policy and political discourse.
This ongoing situation underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding gender issues and public statements, particularly in the context of electoral promises and their implementation.
