KTR’s comments went viral on social media, sparking a political storm in Telangana (File)
Hyderabad:
BRS leader KT Rama Rao, who has been under fire for making derogatory remarks against women, responded to a summons and appeared before the Telangana State Commission for Women today. During his visit, several members of the commission tied a rakhi on KTR, sparking a fresh controversy.
The State Women’s Commission has issued notices to the members for tying a rakhi to KTR. Women’s Commission chairperson Sharada Nerela said in a post that six members had acted “inappropriately” by tying a rakhi to the BRS leader, adding, “Any behaviour that casts doubt on the neutrality of the commission is totally unacceptable.”
“Such behaviour is not only unbecoming of a member of the Commission, but also undermines the dignity and impartiality that we are bound to uphold,” Nerela said in a statement.
**Press Notes**
**Telangana State Women’s Commission condemns inappropriate behaviour of commissioner**
Hyderabad, 24 August 2024:
The Telangana State Commission for Women has taken cognizance of the inappropriate practice of six members of the Commission in tying…
— Sharada Nerella (@sharadanerella) August 24, 2024
KTR expressed regret and apologised again for his remarks regarding women travelling in state-run RTC buses. Explaining the reasons for his remarks, KTR admitted that such remarks were inappropriate and should not have been made by someone in a leadership position like him. The Commission accepted his apology and directed him to refrain from making such remarks in future.
Telangana State Women’s Commission, under its mandate to protect the dignity and rights of women, has issued summons to KT Rama Rao (KTR) Ghar on August 16, 2024 following derogatory remarks made against women travelling in RTC buses. KTR Ghar appeared before the Commission… pic.twitter.com/6uNiGl8pi7
— Sharada Nerella (@sharadanerella) August 24, 2024
“I have personally appeared before the Telangana State Commission for Women on the instructions of its chairperson Sharada Nerela. I regret having made statements before the commission without any intention against women,” he said.
He also informed the committee about the attacks on women in the last eight months since the Congress government came to power in the state.
READ ALSO | ‘I offer unconditional apology’: KTR apologizes for remarks against women
KTR’s remarks spark controversy
Addressing party workers on August 15, KTR spoke about women taking advantage of the state’s free bus ride scheme, which was introduced soon after the Congress came to power in India this year. Women travelling on these buses can “break dance” if they wish, he said, adding that the BRS has no objection to women engaging in activities such as knitting on the bus as long as it is safe.
KTR’s comments went viral on social media and triggered a political storm in Telangana, with women’s rights activists, political opponents and the general public condemning the remarks on various platforms.
Telangana Minister Dhanasari Anasuya, popularly known as Seethakka, was one of the first to demand an unconditional apology from KTR. “Is this the culture of respect that your father instilled in you?” Seethakka asked.
However, Rao posted an apology on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in which he said he had never intended to offend the woman and expressed regret if his words had caused any hurt.
“I am sorry if my comments at the party meeting yesterday caused any offence to our sisters. I never intended to cause any offence to them,” KTR posted.
The state women’s commission also took note of the remarks and announced that it would conduct its own investigation.
Related Article | Telangana State Women’s Commission orders probe into KTR’s remarks
