Y.S. Sharmila has decided to withdraw her party’s candidates from the poll fray and support the Congress.
The political landscape in Telangana is witnessing a dramatic shift as Y.S. Sharmila, the president of the YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) and daughter of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, announced a significant change in her party’s strategy for the upcoming state elections. In a press conference held on Friday, Sharmila disclosed her decision to withdraw her party’s candidates from the electoral fray and lend her support to the Indian National Congress, posing a fresh challenge to the state’s ruling BSR (Bathukamma, Swarajya and Rytu) party of K. Chandrashekar Rao.
Sharmila, who has been a prominent figure in Telangana politics, formed YSRTP and diligently worked to establish her party’s presence in the state, even conducting a padayatra to connect with the people. However, she faced hurdles in gaining the support she had hoped for. Despite engaging in discussions with the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, about a possible merger, these talks did not yield any tangible results.
The decision to support Congress comes as a strategic move by Sharmila to prevent the division of votes among Opposition parties, which would ultimately benefit the BSR. In a statement, Sharmila explained, “Our primary objective is to defeat the BSR party, and contesting separately could inadvertently split votes. By supporting the Congress party in this election, we aim to unite Opposition forces and present a stronger front.”
Sharmila drew inspiration from Rahul Gandhi’s successful padayatra in Karnataka, and she believes that a similar approach can yield positive results in Telangana. She stressed that her decision was motivated by a commitment to the welfare of the people of Telangana.
Addressing the members of YSRTP, Sharmila urged them to rally behind the Congress and work together to secure a victory for the party. She expressed the difficulty of her decision, noting, “Not contesting this election means that the time to fight has not yet come, but I firmly believe it will arrive soon.” She also extended an apology to any YSRTP activists who may be disheartened by her choice.
Sharmila concluded by emphasizing the importance of patience and integrity in politics. She shared a personal anecdote about her connection to the Paleru constituency, highlighting the bond she shared with Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, the Congress candidate for Paleru.
Sharmila recalled the shared journey she and Ponguleti Anna undertook during her 2013 padayatra, and the deep connection between Telangana and her family, especially during the tragic loss of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
As the political battleground intensifies in Telangana, Y.S. Sharmila’s unexpected move to support the Congress sets the stage for a fierce electoral contest and marks a significant development in the run-up to the upcoming state elections.