Y S Sharmila joins Congress at party HQ.
Credit: DH Photo
The ruling YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh is treading cautiously in reacting to Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s sister Y S Sharmila joining the Congress. At least one YSRCP MLA has announced support to Sharmila while another one is assessing the prospects of changing the camp.
The development comes amid reports that Sharmila would be tasked with reviving the grand old party in her brother’s fief.
“I would like to work with Sharmila and join the Congress. I have been a loyal follower of the Dr YSR family. There will be many others who are interested in joining the Congress in Andhra Pradesh,” said YSRCP MLA from Mangalagiri Alla Ramakrishna Reddy.
YSRCP central leadership had recently hinted to him that he would not be given party ticket to contest in the 2024 polls. He defeated TDP scion Nara Lokesh in 2019 polls. Miffed Ramakrishna Reddy had recently resigned from the YSRCP. His elder brother Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy is a Rajya Sabha member of the party.
YSRCP MLA from Vijayawada Central Malladi Vishnu is also said to be contemplating to join the Congress. Recently, Jagan had announced Vijayawada West MLA Vellamaplli Srinivas as the new in-charge of Vijayawad Central, denying ticket to Vishnu. Vishnu had joined YSRCP after leaving the Congress.
Meanwhile, Jagan’s uncle and YSRCP senior leader Y V Subab Reddy said Sharmila joining the Congress will not have any impact on YSRCP or Andhra politics.
Another YSRCP leader told DH that they would want to wait and watch for a few days until there is some clarity on Sharmila’s role in Congress and her action plan against Jagan.