VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao’s remarks about women safety have drawn strong condemnation in social media.
Dr Rao sparked a controversy with remarks at a press conference here a couple of days ago. Ironically, the meeting was called to inform the media about the elaborate arrangements made for the National Women’s Parliament, organised on a grand scale in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.
In shocking comments on how rapes and other atrocities against women could be avoided, he said no rapes would happen if women were parked at home like cars.
Dr Rao had said: “If a car is parked at home, accidents can be avoided. Today, women are exposed to society and this increases the chances of rape, harassment and kidnappings. If they don’t leave home, all of this can be avoided.”
The Speaker went on to add that if girls chose to remain housewives like in the olden days they could avoid serious crimes, barring discrimination.
The comments have come at a time when the State is hosting the first-ever women’s parliament with women empowerment as the cornerstone. Twitter is abuzz with angry women activists and people in general taking strong exception to his stand.
AAP MLA’s protest
Alka Lamba, AAP MLA from Chandni Chowk in Delhi, tweeted saying instead of putting rapists roaming freely on roads behind the bars, it was unfortunate that a man of Dr. Rao’s standing talked of parking women at home.
Despite being present in Vijayawada, the MLA boycotted the third and final day of the women’s meet on Sunday in protest.
“I was expecting some woman leader to raise the issue today at the meeting, but it did not happen. I am hurt,” she told The Hindu .
‘Outrageous’
Youth, especially young girls, have condemned Dr Rao’s stand in strong words, calling it ‘outrageous’ and ‘a disgrace’ not just to the State but to the nation as a whole.
The NWP has attracted women leaders from across the nation.
Thousands of girl students were attending it for getting ideas on how to break the proverbial glass ceiling.
When contacted by TheHindu , Dr Rao was not available for a comment.
