NELLORE: Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy strongly criticised former MLA Prasanna Kumar Reddy, calling him “a pest who should be removed from politics” for his derogatory remarks. She accused him of being unable to accept the rising public support in the constituency. During her “First Step towards Good Governance” campaign in Varini and Dandigunta villages, Prasanthi thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Nara Lokesh for their support. She also expressed gratitude to Kovur residents, comparing their affection to that of a mother, sister, and friend. She stated that the TD in Kovur stood united under Naidu’s leadership and invited anyone with grievances to speak to her directly. Highlighting development works, she noted that long-neglected canals had been cleared, reducing flood risk and improving irrigation to tail-end farms. She encouraged youth to avoid distractions and focus on sports, directing her staff to distribute cricket and volleyball kits. Moved by the plight of a differently-abled resident, she promised an electric tricycle via the VPR Foundation. She also directed revenue officials to allocate land for a cremation ground. CM Naidu’s wife, Nara Bhuvaneswari, expressed solidarity on X: “I firmly condemn the derogatory remarks. Such statements expose a troubling anti-woman mindset and have no place in society. Women lead with strength, integrity, and merit.” Dr. Vundavalli Sridevi, chairperson of the AP Madiga Welfare Cooperative Finance Corporation, also condemned Prasanna Kumar Reddy’s remarks as “shameful and disgraceful,” criticising the YSR Congress for its disrespectful attitude towards women.