Jagan’s ‘blunders’ caused YSR family split: Sharmila

In a startling revelation at the extended meeting of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday, APCC president Y S Sharmila pointed fingers at her brother, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, attributing the apparent split in the YSR family to blunders committed by him.
Addressing party members, Sharmila alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy’s actions were responsible for the division within the YSR family. She stated, “Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the Congress party, claiming it not only led to the bifurcation of the combined Andhra Pradesh state but also caused a split in the YSR family. The evidence for this is in the form of our god, my mother Vijaya Lakshmi, and my family,” she declared, drawing applause from the party cadres.
Sharmila attributed the disputes in the YSR family to Jagan Mohan Reddy, reminiscing about her and her mother Vijaya Lakshmi’s dedicated efforts for the party during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s time in prison. She pointed out that in subsequent by-elections, 18 YSRCP MLAs won, whom she and her mother had actively campaigned for, questioning how these MLAs now found a place in Jagan’s Cabinet.
Continuing her criticism of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Sharmila lamented the current state of Andhra Pradesh, emphasising the lack of development during the four and a half years of YSRCP rule and the preceding five years of TDP rule. She further criticised Jagan for not implementing the policies of YS Rajasekhar Reddy, questioning his claim as the heir of YSR.
Responding to allegations about corruption cases involving YSRCP leaders, she disclosed that Congress leaders had clarified to her that YS Rajasekhar Reddy’s name being mentioned in the FIR happened without their knowledge, and she trusted their explanation.
Sharmila joined the Congress party with a commitment to the people of Andhra Pradesh and the state’s development. She highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s assurance of granting Special Category Status (SCS) and repealing the proposal to privatize the Visakha steel plant as key factors in her decision.
Lamenting the state of farming during Jagan Reddy’s regime, she emphasized that her father, the late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy, had celebrated farming as a festival.
In a scathing critique, Sharmila accused both the YSRCP and TDP of aligning with the BJP’s interests. She lambasted Jagan Mohan Reddy, claiming he had become subservient to the BJP, neglecting the interests of Andhra Pradesh.
Prominent Congress leaders, including former Union Minister JD Seelam, Pallam Raju, former APCC president N Raghuveera Reddy, Gidugu Rudraraju, and Sunkara Padmasri, were present.
Later, YS Sharmila held discussions with former MP Undavalli Arun Kumar in Rajahmundry regarding political developments in the State.