AP Women’s Commission Saga: A Reflection of Government Apathy?

The Coalition Government failed to address the politicisation of the women's rights body

The current state of the Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission stands as a glaring example of the coalition government's apathy and lack of direction. At the centre of this issue is Gajjala Lakshmi, the current Chairperson, who has faced widespread criticism for diminishing the dignity of the role.

Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission Chairperson Gajjala Lakshmi

Lakshmi’s appointment occurred during the Jagan government, following the resignation of Vasireddy Padma, a prominent YSRCP leader. While Padma maintained a degree of decorum, Lakshmi's actions, both past and present, have raised serious concerns about her fitness for the post.

A Broken Tradition

When Jagan assumed office in 2019, one of his first priorities was to swiftly fill all nominated posts, including the AP Women’s Commission. Vasireddy Padma, alongside five members—Karri Jayasri, Gajjala Venkata Lakshmi, S. K. Rokhaya Begum, Boosi Vineetha, and Geddam Uma—was appointed to lead the commission. Padma’s tenure was meant to last until August 2024, but she resigned in March, just before the 2024 elections. In her place, Gajjala Lakshmi was quickly appointed.

Had Padma stayed, her term would have ended in August 2024. Yet, Lakshmi remains in the post, even though questions about her tenure and behaviour persist.

The Key Issue

Why hasn't the newly elected government, which has been in power for three months, replaced her with a more suitable candidate? Women’s Commissions, both nationally and at the state level, were designed to protect and empower women. However, much like other institutions, they have become heavily politicised, with appointments often reflecting party loyalty over competence.

When the Jagan government appointed Padma, a YSRCP leader, it was expected given the norm of installing loyalists in key roles. Padma herself wasn’t without controversy, having issued notices to TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu in 2022 for allegedly “outraging her modesty.” Yet, her tenure pales in comparison to Lakshmi’s troubling conduct.

Tarnishing the Commission’s Reputation

Even before becoming Chairperson, Lakshmi’s conduct as a Commission member and YSRCP activist was disturbing. She frequently made disrespectful, even vulgar, public comments about other women, particularly those in leadership. Her attack on MLC Panchumarthi Anuradha, a TDP leader and cancer survivor, stands out as one of the most egregious examples. Lakshmi mocked Anuradha’s appearance, showing no regard for her battle with cancer—a deeply offensive and inappropriate act for someone in her position.

This was not an isolated case. Lakshmi’s crude language aimed at Nara Lokesh, another political figure, further highlighted her unsuitability for the role of Chairperson. Her actions indicate a complete lack of understanding of the dignity expected of someone leading a statutory body like the Women’s Commission. Instead of demonstrating integrity, she continues to make politically motivated remarks.

Political Bias and Lack of Accountability

Lakshmi only deepened the controversy by taking to Facebook to accuse the newly elected coalition government of tampering with EVMs to win the recent election. Such baseless allegations are not only inappropriate but damaging, particularly coming from a Chairperson of a statutory body.

If Lakshmi feels so strongly about these issues, the proper course of action would be to resign and voice her concerns freely. Interestingly, even the coalition government has turned a blind eye to her indiscretions. In fact, the Naidu government recently issued a G.O. formalising Lakshmi’s monthly salary at Rs. 2 lakhs, raising further questions about why they haven’t moved against her.

Unlike constitutional roles like the APPSC Chairman, where removal requires presidential intervention, the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission can be removed by the state government. So, why the inaction?

A Broader Reflection

At its core, this issue highlights a deeper problem within the coalition government. A position as important as the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission has been allowed to deteriorate into a politicised appointment, with little regard for the purpose the body was created to serve.

The Chairperson continues to take a highly political approach, sensationalising the Gudlavalleru College spy camera incident, which was later proven false, while simultaneously declaring that the Commission would not pursue the Kadambari Jethwani case because the victim did not hail from Andhra Pradesh.

Lakshmi’s continued presence, despite her controversial actions, underscores the government’s reluctance to take a firm stand. During YS Jagan’s tenure, such behaviour would not have been tolerated for even a moment.

This saga ultimately reflects poorly on the coalition government, raising concerns about its commitment to standards in public life and accountability. Instead of functioning as an empowering body for women, the Women’s Commission has become a symbol of political manoeuvring—another unfortunate reflection of the broader political climate in the state.

Ramesh Kandula is a senior journalist & author