Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and his wife Haritha Reddy have come under intense scrutiny after Haritha allegedly reprimanded a police sub-inspector for arriving late to escort them to a function. The incident occurred during a function in Rayachoti, where the couple was set to distribute increased pensions to senior citizens, a promise made by the TDP.
Haritha, who holds no official position or elected office, was attending the event alongside her husband, who was recently elected from the area.
In a video accessed by India Today, Haritha Reddy, seated in the passenger seat of a car, is seen rebuking Sub-Inspector Ramesh for his tardiness. The video captures her frustration at having to wait for 30 minutes and her interrogation of the officer’s conduct.
"Have you come to a wedding or for duty? Waited half-an-hour for you. Who pays your salary? Government or YSRCP?" Haritha Reddy questioned the officer.
The opposition YSRCP swiftly criticized Haritha Reddy's behavior, condemning the treatment of the police officer. The incident also drew the attention of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who expressed his displeasure over the matter.
Taking to X, YSRCP said, "The treatment of SI Ramesh by Haritha Reddy is a disgrace and it shows the amount of head power that @JaiTDP leaders have towards public servants. As the wife of a minister, she should uphold the values of respect and dignity towards our police force. Such behavior undermines public trust!"
In response, Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy issued an apology for his wife's actions. However, Haritha Reddy has yet to make a public apology for the incident.
TDP officials have emphasized the Chief Minister's directive that ministers and their families should treat police officers and government officials with respect, regardless of any perceived political affiliations or past actions during YSRCP's tenure in power.