Visakhapatnam
Y.S. Sharmila, newly appointed Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief, asserted on Tuesday that the government led by her brother, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has become subservient to the BJP. In a public address at Ichapuram in Srikakulam district, Sharmila criticized the functioning of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, alleging that it no longer adheres to the principles of their father, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR). She lamented that political parties in Andhra Pradesh have transformed into tools under the influence of the BJP, despite the fact that the BJP does not have a single MLA in the state. Sharmila emphasized that throughout his life, YSR vehemently opposed the BJP, making it unfortunate that the government is now aligned with a party that lacks legislative representation. She addressed a gathering at Ichapuram, a location associated with YSR’s historic ‘Praja Prasthanam’ padyatra in 2003, expressing her commitment to continuing his struggle for the welfare of the people. Highlighting YSR’s contributions, Sharmila credited the schemes like Arogyasri and free electricity to his padyatra, where he closely observed the hardships of the people. She asserted that her journey for the betterment of Andhra Pradesh begins from the same place where YSR concluded his padyatra. Responding to criticism regarding Congress’s alleged disrespect towards YSR, Sharmila refuted such claims, stating that the party high command, including Sonia Gandhi, still respects him. She criticized the Jagan government for its failure to secure special category status for the state and questioned the fulfillment of promises made by Jagan Mohan Reddy regarding the same. Sharmila affirmed that Congress, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, is committed to granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh if voted to power. She concluded by addressing Jagan Mohan Reddy as ‘Jagan Anna garu’ in response to objections raised by YSRCP leader Y.V. Subba Reddy.
