RK to sail with Sharmila

Alla Ramakrishna Reddy, the Mangalagiri MLA who recently resigned from the ruling YSRCP, has announced his commitment to remaining active in politics. In a significant move, Reddy declared his intention to align with YS Sharmila, the sister of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, emphasising that he would stand by her decisions.
Speculation is rife that Sharmila may join the Congress party, possibly securing a key role in the Andhra Pradesh Congress. Ramakrishna Reddy, the first MLA in Andhra Pradesh to openly support Sharmila amid rumours of her potential merger of the YSRTP with the Congress, has expressed his intent to follow her lead.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Ramakrishna Reddy underscored the deep ties to late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s family, asserting his loyalty and inability to sever those connections. He criticised the YSRCP, stating that despite defeating Lokesh, he was not accorded due priority.
Highlighting the development in Mangalagiri, Reddy claimed that the region has progressed in various aspects under his tenure. However, he lamented discrepancies in promised funding for the constituency’s development, alleging that the initially pledged Rs 1,200 crore was reduced to Rs 500 crore and eventually further diminished to a mere Rs 125 crore.
Ramakrishna Reddy disclosed that he contributed to the constituency’s development due to unmet promises from the state government. Despite multiple pleas and representations, he asserted that adequate funds were not allocated, urging the government to invest more if they aim to secure victories in the upcoming elections.
The MLA questioned the ruling party’s strategy in winning key segments such as Kuppam, Bhimavaram, Gajuwaka, and Mangalagiri without substantial development investments. He expressed concerns about the YSRC’s electoral prospects in 2024, warning that neglecting development might lead to a situation akin to the defeat suffered by the TD in 2019.
Ramakrishna Reddy pledged to pursue legal action against Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, asserting a commitment to uphold moral values in politics.