YSRCP seeks action against Telugu channel over derogatory remarks

The YSR Congress Party has lodged complaints with the NBDA and NCW against Telugu media house Jyothi for allegedly airing derogatory content targeting women and party leaders. YSRCP leaders Lella Appi Reddy and Varudu Kalyani accused the channel of spreading misinformation and violating journalistic ethics.

Amaravati: The YSR Congress Party has written to the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) and the National Commission for Women (NCW) seeking immediate action against Telugu media house Jyothi for allegedly broadcasting derogatory and defamatory content against women.​

In his complaint to the NBDA, MLC and State General Secretary of YSRCP, Lella Appi Reddy, said the channel aired malicious and unverified content targeting former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and the party. He stated that the broadcast was not fair journalism but a deliberate attempt to create hatred and mislead the public.​

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In a separate representation to NCW, YSRCP Women Wing President Varudu Kalyani raised serious concerns over the derogatory remarks against women.​

Both leaders pointed out that during a specific segment, the anchor used highly offensive language, calling YSRCP supporters “spineless,” and made insulting comments that hurt the dignity and self-respect of women.​

YSRCP stated that the channel failed to verify facts, present balanced views, or provide an opportunity for response, which amounts to a serious violation of journalistic ethics and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Act.

The party also expressed concern that the content remains online, increasing its harmful impact and spreading misinformation.​

YSRCP has demanded strict action against the channel, its anchor, editor, and management, as well as the removal of the content and a public apology. The party urged both NBDA and NCW to intervene and ensure accountability, stressing the need to uphold media responsibility, protect dignity, and maintain ethical standards.​

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, Varudu Kalyani demanded the immediate arrest of Managing Director Radhakrishna and an unconditional apology to the women of Andhra Pradesh for his offensive remarks.​

She alleged that the comments were not incidental but part of a deliberate conspiracy to malign YSRCP leaders and divert public attention from corruption in Amaravati and the growing debate around the MAVIGUN model proposed by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.​

She said the support extended to Radhakrishna by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Nara Lokesh proves that the remarks were premeditated and politically motivated.​

She stated that, as people have begun questioning the massive corruption in the name of Amaravati and discussing alternative, cost-effective development through the Machilipatnam–Vijayawada–Guntur corridor (MAVIGUN), a diversionary strategy was executed through Radhakrishna’s derogatory comments to shift the focus.​

She said YSRCP’s peaceful protests demanding an apology were being falsely portrayed as attacks, while those in power failed to condemn the remarks and instead justified them, which is condemnable.​