The issue of women’s empowerment in Telangana has caused a Twitter war between Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president, Bandi Sanjay, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha. Both leaders voiced their opinions on social media, with Kavitha questioning the reason behind not inviting President Droupadi Murmu to the inauguration of the newly constructed Parliament and the rough handling of wrestlers in New Delhi.
Sanjay accused the BRS government of failing to give due respect to the Governor and ignoring women’s welfare and their safety, with the police allegedly harassing tribal women. He also attacked the KCR government, saying that the Governor does not receive respect, girls receive no support, Bathukamma gets insulted, and the party only stands up for its own daughter’s welfare.
Kavitha hit back, claiming that the President, who is a tribal woman, did not receive honours in the inauguration of the Parliament building and BJP MPs are not taking any action to prevent harassment of women wrestlers in New Delhi. She said that the Beti Bachao Beti Padao movement was limited to sloganeering and criticised the BJP government for increasing the prices of cylinders, neglecting women’s education and healthcare, and prioritising some people’s development over the girl child’s welfare.
Kavitha suggested that the BJP would lose support from women, who have decided for themselves what is best. In response, Sanjay accused the BRS of remaining silent on those who commit atrocities against women leaders in their own party and handcuffing girls and boys who fight for the lands of the poor. He alleged that the BRS cannot protect anyone and is harsh even when infants die.
The heated Twitter exchange between both leaders underscores the need for a concerted effort towards women’s empowerment and safety in the region, particularly as the situation appears dire. It remains to be seen how developments in this ongoing situation will unfold, and what further responses will be taken.
