Vijayawada: A significant number of leaders and supporters from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and other political outfits joined the Congress party on Tuesday in Vijayawada, under the leadership of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Y S Sharmila. The event marked a major boost for the Congress party in the state as it seeks to rebuild its presence ahead of upcoming elections.
Sharmila’s blistering attack on rivals
Addressing the gathering, Sharmila launched a strong attack on the BJP, TDP and YSRCP, while highlighting the legacy of former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR). She asserted that merely undertaking padayatras does not make someone a true successor of YSR, and only those who follow his ideals and ideology can claim his legacy. She alleged that leaders who came to power using YSR’s name had accumulated wealth and built palatial lifestyles rather than serving the people.
Recalling YSR’s political journey, Sharmila said he became chief minister after years of struggle and remained connected to the people even after attaining power. She described YSR as a true people’s leader and said leaders of such stature are rare in Indian politics. She contrasted this with the current leadership, which she accused of being disconnected from the masses.
Unfulfilled promises and development challenges
Targeting the BJP and the previous governments in Andhra Pradesh, Sharmila alleged that the state had suffered due to unfulfilled bifurcation promises. She claimed that commitments related to special category status, the Polavaram project, capital development, the Kadapa Steel Plant and other projects remained incomplete. She accused both the TDP and YSRCP of failing to raise their voice strongly on issues concerning Andhra Pradesh, and said the state continued to face development challenges.
Sharmila further alleged that political interests had taken precedence over public welfare. She said that the people of Andhra Pradesh have been let down by successive governments that prioritized their own gains over the state’s progress. She called on the Congress to emerge as a credible alternative that can address the aspirations of the people.
New members welcomed
Several leaders from various parties formally joined the Congress during the event. They expressed confidence in Sharmila’s leadership and the Congress party’s ability to bring about change in the state. The new members included former municipal corporators, mandal parishad presidents, and grassroots workers who have switched allegiance from other parties.
The event was seen as a show of strength for the Congress in the region, as the party attempts to regain its foothold in Andhra Pradesh politics. With the state facing multiple challenges, including fiscal stress and infrastructure gaps, the Congress hopes to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP.
