YS Sharmila, the founder president of YSR Telangana Party and sister of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, is reportedly set to join the Congress this week. This development comes in the wake of the Congress's success in the Telangana Assembly polls, ending the dominance of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi in the state.

Sources indicate that Congress leadership plans to assign Sharmila a significant role in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the state polls and the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The move is seen as an attempt to rejuvenate the Congress in Andhra Pradesh, with hopes that individuals disenchanted with the YSRCP might now consider joining the Congress. The timing is crucial, especially as the main opposition party, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is grappling to maintain its influence.

Sharmila gained prominence in 2012 during the statehood movement in Telangana when her brother, Jagan Mohan Reddy, broke away from the Congress, forming YSCRP. The party, led by Jagan's mother and Sharmila, emerged victorious in subsequent bypolls. In 2021, Sharmila expressed political differences with her brother, leading to the formation of the YSR Telangana Party and campaigning against the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government.

Earlier this year, Sharmila announced her decision not to contest the Telangana elections, expressing confidence in the Congress's ability to win without undermining its prospects. Congress, acknowledging a dismal drop in voteshare in Andhra to around 1%, views Sharmila's entry as an opportunity to bolster its standing in the state. Sources suggest that Sharmila, facing financial constraints for her party activities, is estranged from her brother.

While Congress leaders acknowledge the challenges of a quick turnaround in Andhra, they believe that appointing Sharmila to a significant role, possibly as the state Congress chief, could be advantageous. This strategic move aligns with the party's preparation for a robust confrontation against the BJP, aiming to capitalize on Sharmila's potential influence and the shifting political landscape in the region.

YS Sharmila, the founder president of YSR Telangana Party and sister of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, is reportedly set to join the Congress this week. This development comes in the wake of the Congress's success in the Telangana Assembly polls, ending the dominance of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi in the state.

Sources indicate that Congress leadership plans to assign Sharmila a significant role in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the state polls and the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The move is seen as an attempt to rejuvenate the Congress in Andhra Pradesh, with hopes that individuals disenchanted with the YSRCP might now consider joining the Congress. The timing is crucial, especially as the main opposition party, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is grappling to maintain its influence.

Sharmila gained prominence in 2012 during the statehood movement in Telangana when her brother, Jagan Mohan Reddy, broke away from the Congress, forming YSCRP. The party, led by Jagan's mother and Sharmila, emerged victorious in subsequent bypolls. In 2021, Sharmila expressed political differences with her brother, leading to the formation of the YSR Telangana Party and campaigning against the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government.

Earlier this year, Sharmila announced her decision not to contest the Telangana elections, expressing confidence in the Congress's ability to win without undermining its prospects. Congress, acknowledging a dismal drop in voteshare in Andhra to around 1%, views Sharmila's entry as an opportunity to bolster its standing in the state. Sources suggest that Sharmila, facing financial constraints for her party activities, is estranged from her brother.

While Congress leaders acknowledge the challenges of a quick turnaround in Andhra, they believe that appointing Sharmila to a significant role, possibly as the state Congress chief, could be advantageous. This strategic move aligns with the party's preparation for a robust confrontation against the BJP, aiming to capitalize on Sharmila's potential influence and the shifting political landscape in the region.