Article
A new chapter in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape has commenced with the ascension of Y.S. Sharmila as the President of the Congress Andhra Pradesh unit. Sharmila has wasted no time in taking on her brother, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, over the promised special category status for the state.
In her inaugural address, Sharmila directly challenged Jagan Mohan Reddy, questioning his commitment to fighting for the special category status promised to Andhra Pradesh at the time of its bifurcation in 2014. She did not spare former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu either, alleging that both leaders had failed to secure the promised special category status for the state. Sharmila went on to accuse both Jagan Mohan Reddy and Naidu of compromising the state’s interests, alleging that the YSRCP’s 22 MPs, as well as the TDP’s three MPs, are influenced by the BJP – a situation that has led to the state not gaining the special category status it was promised.
The YSRCP promptly responded to Sharmila’s salvo through Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, the chief advisor to Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. Sajjala challenged Sharmila’s sudden interest in Andhra Pradesh politics, pointing out her previous focus on Telangana. He questioned her decision to join the Congress, given her past statements and actions. This exchange indicates that the political arena in Andhra Pradesh is poised for a period of heightened tension and debate.
However, YSRCP North Andhra Regional Coordinator Y.V. Subba Reddy also addressed Sharmila’s entry into the political fray, asserting that neither Sharmila nor anyone else can corner the YSRCP. He defended the party’s track record, emphasizing that the YSRCP was established to carry out the vision of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Reddy refuted Sharmila’s claims, highlighting various development initiatives undertaken by the current government, including the construction of fishing harbours, ports, and an international airport.
As Sharmila takes the reins of the Congress in Andhra Pradesh, she has, without a doubt, sparked a new political phase in the state. Her public challenge to her brother, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, is just the beginning of what promises to be an intense and intriguing period in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape. The coming days will reveal whether Sharmila’s leadership will produce significant shifts in the state’s political dynamics.
