YS Sharmila, the chief of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), stated that she joined the Congress party without any influence from others. She mentioned her role in overthrowing K Chandrashekar Rao in Telangana by merging her party with the Congress. She responded to allegations made by Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, the advisor of public affairs, who claimed that she was involved in a plan orchestrated by Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the TDP chief.
Sharmila emphasized that she is not controlled by anyone and criticized the use of derogatory language against her as a woman. She explained that while Andhra Pradesh is her birthplace, Telangana is like her in-laws’ place, which is why she has shifted her focus to Andhra Pradesh. She expressed her concern for the people of Andhra Pradesh and stated that time will reveal the impact of her joining the Congress. She also highlighted the tendency of regional party leaders to become dictators.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Sharmila announced that the Congress party will contest all 25 MP seats in the State and all 175 Assembly seats. She revealed her plans to visit three districts per day for nine days starting from January 23, during which new members will be admitted to the party. The application process for candidates will begin on January 24.
Sharmila assured that if Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister, the Congress party will grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. She criticized the BJP for failing to support the completion of Polavaram, the construction of Amaravati, and the privatization of the Vizag Steel plant, which she believes has deceived the State.
