PNS n Vijayawada
YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) president YS Sharmila, who initially hesitated to embrace the Congress high command’s offer to lead the party in Andhra Pradesh, seems poised to accept the position finally.
Sources indicate that Sharmila, recognising her diminished role in Telangana following PCC chief A Revanth Reddy’s assumption of the chief ministerial role, has concluded that relocating to Andhra Pradesh is imperative for her political survival.
It is reported that she has once again acquiesced to the latest proposal from the high command, signalling her willingness to merge her party with the Congress and assume the role of president of the APCC. The party has purportedly nominated Sharmila to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka before entrusting her with the responsibilities of the Andhra Pradesh Congress.
Effectively, Sharmila will be in a political showdown with her brother, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
As part of her new role, Sharmila has been tasked with organising two significant Congress rallies in Andhra Pradesh. The first, in Visakhapatnam, will feature Priyanka Gandhi addressing a substantial gathering in support of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant workers under the banner of “Visakha Ukku-Andhrula Hakku.”
The second rally, under Sharmila’s supervision, will see Rahul Gandhi addressing the audience in Amaravati in support of the capital city and advocating for special category status for Andhra Pradesh.
Sources suggest that Sharmila is expected to play an active role in the Congress party moving forward.
APCC president Gidugu Rudra Raju refuted rumours suggesting Sharmila’s entry into Andhra Pradesh politics against her brother, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said that the Congress aims for growth in Andhra Pradesh and that speculation about Sharmila’s involvement could cast a negative light on the party, hindering its progress in the State.
