Congress appoints new chief for Andhra Pradesh, YS Sharmila takes helm

In a strategic move, the Congress party has appointed YS Sharmila Reddy as the new president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, replacing G Rudra Raju, who resigned from the position recently. The decision comes amid shifting political dynamics in the poll-bound state.

Party Merger and Succession

The announcement of YS Sharmila's appointment followed G Rudra Raju's resignation from the role of Congress chief in Andhra Pradesh. Sharmila, the sister of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, had officially joined the Congress earlier this month, simultaneously merging her party, YSR Telangana Party, into the Congress.

Immediate Effect of the Leadership Change

The party revealed the decision in an official release, stating, "Congress President has appointed YS Sharmila Reddy as president of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect." This leadership change is expected to influence the party's strategies in the upcoming state assembly polls, which are scheduled to coincide with the Lok Sabha elections in April-May this year.

I thank hon'ble @kharge ji , #SoniaGandhi ji , @RahulGandhi ji , and @kcvenugopalmp ji for trusting me with post of the president of @INC_Andhra Pradesh.
I promise to work faithfully towards rebuilding the party to its past glory in the State of Andhra Pradesh with total… https://t.co/C6K8cQEz1F

— YS Sharmila (@realyssharmila) January 16, 2024

Rudra Raju Assumes New Role

Alongside Sharmila's appointment, G Rudra Raju has been assigned the position of special invitee to the Congress Working Committee. This move indicates a restructuring of leadership roles within the party in Andhra Pradesh.

Optimism Amid Political Shifts

Congress leaders in Andhra Pradesh express optimism about the party's prospects in the state, drawing inspiration from the recent victory in the Telangana assembly polls in November. The Congress successfully ousted the Bharat Rashtra Samithi from power in Telangana, fueling hopes for a similar impact in Andhra Pradesh.

Key Elections on the Horizon

The change in leadership comes at a crucial juncture as the state gears up for both assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The political landscape in Andhra Pradesh is anticipated to witness significant developments, and the Congress aims to leverage this transition to bolster its presence in the region.

Strategic Meetings with Party Leadership

Upon joining the Congress, YS Sharmila engaged in discussions with the party's top leadership, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. These strategic meetings signify the importance of a cohesive strategy and coordination as the party prepares for the upcoming electoral challenges.

The appointment of YS Sharmila as the new president brings a fresh perspective to the Congress in Andhra Pradesh, setting the stage for dynamic political engagements in the run-up to the elections.