Praja Sankalpa Yatra Diary Day 13: Women Seething With Rage At Chandrababu’s Betrayal Of Trust

November 20, Gorlagutta, Kurnool District:

Not just the people of the state, even the Sun seems to be angry with the Chandrababu Naidu regime. By the time the Padayatra reached Hussainapuram from Banaganapalle, the sun transformed from an adorable orange ball emitting soothing rays to an angry ball of fire. Even he seems to have been miffed by Chandrababu's misrule. But, braving the searing sun and the slew of obstructions caused by the insensitive police, women poured into Hussainapuram to attend the conclave. They roared their disapproval of the Chandrababu Government's misrule in the most unambiguous manner possible. The womenfolk demonstrated uncontrolled anger at the anti-women policies of the TDP Government.

As thousands milled in, the venue got overcrowded and a large number of women had to stand as all the chairs were occupied. As I began to speak, I first apologised to them for the inconvenience. But, they appeared very determined. They weren't in the least bothered about whether there was any place to sit or not. They were there to expose Chandrababu's lies and take him to task. Their utterances too were as determined. This Government, which did nothing for the womenfolk and did not fulfill even a single promise made to them, tried everything possible to muzzle their voice and stifle all questions. The Government deployed cops to stop women from attending the meeting. I wondered whether we were part of a democracy or dictatorship in the state.

It is apparent that the State Government has watered down the fee reimbursement scheme. As a result, the education of many students from economically poorer sections is in jeopardy. It also reneged on the promise of loan waiver for thrift groups. A door delivery system for liquor put in place by the present government, has only helped cause a spike in the harassment on women. Chandrababu Naidu perhaps wants to build his dream castles on the rubble of poor people's broken dreams. He boasts of making Andhra Pradesh numero uno in progress and development. But, can a state achieve progress if the womenfolk are deprived and devastated?

At Govinda Dinne, members of the Student JAC met me. They were outraged by the Chandrababu Naidu government's repression of the movement for achieving special status for Andhra Pradesh. They said it was utterly wrong and unjust on the part of the Government to crackdown on the all-party Chalo Assembly at Vijayawada . I joined them as they walked carrying placards demanding special status to Andhra Pradesh.

At the end, here is my poser to Chandrababu Naidu! Is it right to betray womenfolk by going back on the promise of DWCRA loan waiver? Is it not a fact that because of your non-waiver of DWCRA loans, the members of the thrift groups are made to bear the penalty burden of over Rs 2000 crore?