Andhra Home Minister Responds to Pawan Kalyan’s Criticism, Says She Sees It as “Encouragement”*

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Anita Vangalapudi has responded to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s recent criticism of her handling of law and order. Kalyan, who is part of an alliance between his Jana Sena and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party, accused her of “incompetence” and warned he would consider taking over her portfolio if crime rates, especially against women and children, do not improve. Addressing reporters, Ms. Vangalapudi said she interpreted his comments as encouragement rather than criticism, stating that Kalyan’s remarks backed her to take “more aggressive” action.

Kalyan’s comments came following a high-profile crime in Tirupati, where a young child was allegedly raped and murdered by a family member, sparking public outcry. Comparing her to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Kalyan emphasized that MLAs and ministers must actively ensure citizens’ safety, warning he could step in if needed. His criticism has been supported by opposition YSR Congress Party leader Roja, who demanded Ms. Vangalapudi’s resignation, citing her failure to implement measures like the Disha app and dedicated women’s police stations.

Roja, the former Tourism Minister, highlighted an increase in attacks on women under the current administration, saying, “In just 120 days, over 100 incidents of attacks on women have been recorded.” Meanwhile, Vangalapudi maintained her commitment to her role, reiterating that the Deputy CM’s statements were a call to intensify her efforts in addressing crime in the state.

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