In a major pre-poll boost for Congress in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s sister YS Sharmila is set to merge her party with the grand old party this week.
Sharmila, daughter of former popular CM YSR Reddy, will reportedly be inducted into Congress in Delhi in the coming days. She has been offered key roles – Rajya Sabha ticket, AICC General Secretary post, and chief of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee.
The merger comes right before the state elections in Andhra Pradesh which will coincide with the 2024 General Polls, giving Congress an edge with a high-profile regional face like Sharmila.
Sharmila’s decision signals an acknowledgement that her outfit YSR Telangana Party has struggled since its launch in 2021 to make any impact in Telangana politics. It failed to win even a single seat in the recent Assembly elections.
Hence joining forces with Congress gives her a better shot at wrestling power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh where her family continues to wield influence.
Sharmila has convened a meeting of her party leaders, likely to discuss the formalities of the impending merger with Congress and plan future political activities.
Andhra Pradesh Congress chief recently remarked many disgruntled legislators realize Congress is the state’s only hope and could join it.
The polls will test if the high-profile entry of Sharmila helps revive Congress’ fading fortunes in Andhra Pradesh where regional parties have dominated the turf.
