Yeduguri Sandinti Sharmila Reddy, better known as Y. S. Sharmila, is a well-known Indian politician and the current president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee. Born in 1974 into the influential Reddy political family to Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and Vijayamma in Hyderabad, Sharmila has played a significant role in politics, notably leading the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and later founding the YSR Telangana Party before merging it with the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2024.

Early Political Career

Sharmila's political career gained momentum in June 2012 when she campaigned for the YSRCP alongside her mother, Y. S. Vijayamma, in the absence of her elder brother, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. As the party convener, she played a pivotal role in by-elections, leading the YSRCP to victory with 15 out of 18 assembly seats and one parliamentary seat. Sharmila's dedication to the party and its cause was evident in her 3,000 km-walkathon covering 14 districts from October 2012 to August 2013.

Prior to the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, Sharmila embarked on an 11-day bus Yatra, covering 1,553 km across Andhra Pradesh, targeting then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in a campaign named “Praja Theerpu – Bye Bye Babu.”

YSR Telangana Party

In February 2021, Sharmila voiced political differences with her brother Jagan and dissatisfaction with the YSRCP’s presence in Telangana. She announced the formation of the YSR Telangana Party in April 2021, aiming to establish a political foothold in Telangana. However, in November 2023, she announced her party's decision not to participate in the Telangana Legislative Assembly election, expressing support for the Congress party.

Merger with Indian National Congress

On January 4, 2024, Sharmila merged the YSR Telangana Party with the INC, indicating a strategic move to strengthen the opposition against the ruling parties. Her appointment as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee on January 16, 2024, underscores the trust and confidence in her leadership within the INC.

Personal Life

Born into the Reddy family's political legacy, Sharmila is the daughter of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and Vijayamma, with an elder brother, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, currently serving as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Married to Anil Kumar since 1995, Sharmila is a mother of two, residing in Hyderabad.

Conclusion

Y. S. Sharmila's political journey reflects her dedication to public service and her ability to connect with the masses. From her early days campaigning for the YSRCP to leading her own party and merging it with the INC, Sharmila has shown resilience and adaptability. As the president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, her role is crucial in shaping the party's future. With a rich family history in politics, Sharmila brings a unique perspective and fresh approach to leadership, making her a notable figure in Indian politics.