PNS|Visakhapatnam
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha on Sunday strongly condemned recent remarks made against Amaravati and its supporters, describing them as “deeply disturbing” and “an affront to civil society.”
At a press conference, Anitha criticised derogatory statements in a social media post and a newspaper article, as well as the testimony of a journalist, which she termed “outrageous.” She took particular exception to Amaravati being called ‘Kamaravathi’ and likened it to a cremation ground by a senior opposition leader.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by Amaravati farmers, she said over 275 had taken their own lives, and even protesting women were mocked. Anitha claimed such remarks had shaken investor confidence, leading to withdrawals of investment from Andhra Pradesh.
“Now, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu back, investments are returning,” she said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended support to Amaravati’s revival.
Targeting the media, Anitha accused Editors’ Association member Krishnam Raju of spreading misinformation and confirmed legal proceedings had begun. “One individual, Kiran, has been arrested for defaming Bharathi Reddy,” she said, also accusing Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy of launching a smear campaign from Tirupati.
She demanded apologies from Jagan Mohan Reddy and Bharathi, warning that those defaming Amaravati would face strict legal action.
