Congress Leader Sharmila Questions Jagan's Credibility, Announces Counter Yatra
In a strongly worded media conference held at Andhra Ratna Bhavan in Vijayawada on Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila launched a blistering attack on YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The Congress leader questioned the timing and motives behind Jagan's proposed padayatra announcement, challenging his credibility and track record during his tenure in office.
Sharp Criticism of Brother's Governance Record
Sharmila, who is Jagan Mohan Reddy's sister, did not mince words as she accused her brother of seeking power without accountability. "When he was in power, he did not step out among the people even for a single day. The party was inaccessible to the public," she alleged during the press conference. The APCC president systematically questioned what Jagan had achieved during his time as chief minister despite having been given absolute power by the people of Andhra Pradesh.
The Congress leader pointedly asked several critical questions about Jagan's governance:
- Whether the ambitious Jalayagnam irrigation projects were completed as promised
- Whether the much-publicised Navaratnalu welfare schemes were fully implemented
- Whether the prohibition policy (madhyapanam nishedham) was carried out as pledged to the public
Questioning the Timing of Padayatra Announcement
Sharmila expressed particular skepticism about the timing of Jagan's proposed padayatra, questioning why the announcement was made now and why the actual padayatra is scheduled to take place only after a year. She alleged that the announcement was driven purely by political compulsion rather than genuine public concern. The Congress leader suggested that the padayatra announcement appeared to be a calculated political move rather than a sincere effort to connect with citizens.
Congress Announces Counter Yatra for MGNREGA Protection
In a significant counter-announcement, Sharmila revealed that she would undertake a statewide yatra starting February 2 with the specific purpose of protecting the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The yatra will begin from Bandlapalli in the Singanamala constituency, which holds historical significance as the place where the employment guarantee scheme was originally launched.
During her statewide tour, Sharmila plans to personally visit all districts across Andhra Pradesh. She outlined two key demands that will form the cornerstone of her yatra:
- The Central government must continue the MGNREGA program without any dilution of its provisions
- The daily wage of workers under the scheme should be increased to ₹400 to provide real relief to rural labourers
The political confrontation between the Congress and YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh appears to be intensifying, with both parties now planning extensive public outreach programs. Sharmila's announcement of a statewide yatra focusing on employment guarantee issues directly counters Jagan's proposed padayatra, setting the stage for a competitive political narrative in the state.
