If reports from New Delhi are to be believed, the Congress leadership is contemplating elevating Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila to the Rajya Sabha as part of its strategy to strengthen the party in Andhra Pradesh.
According to sources, the party is considering sending Sharmila, who is presently heading the APCC, to the Rajya Sabha while simultaneously working to rebuild the party organisation in the state.
The Congress is currently in power in Telangana, is part of the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu, and is expected to elevate Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to the Chief Minister’s post in a day or two.
Against this backdrop, the Congress is now attempting to regain political relevance in Andhra Pradesh, where the party virtually lost its base after the bifurcation of the united state.
Party sources indicate that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has entrusted senior southern leaders with the responsibility of strengthening the organisation in Andhra Pradesh.
The move is also being viewed as part of a strategy to politically counter former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who was once instrumental in eroding the Congress base in the state.
Sharmila, who was appointed APCC chief to revive the party’s fortunes, has reportedly faced internal criticism from sections of the party who believe she has focused more on attacking her brother Jagan Mohan Reddy than on strengthening the organisation itself.
To reinforce her political standing, the Congress is now reportedly planning to secure her entry into the Rajya Sabha through Karnataka, where the party is expected to win three Upper House seats.
Along with Sharmila’s name, several others are being discussed for nomination, including B.K. Hariprasad, Rajeev Gowda, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera and national media coordinator Supriya Shrinate.
Sources say Rahul Gandhi had earlier assured Sharmila of a Rajya Sabha berth, and the leadership now considers the timing appropriate to intensify organisational activity in Andhra Pradesh.
At the same time, the party leadership is believed to have assigned Sharmila the task of improving coordination among various factions within the AP Congress unit.
An official announcement on the Rajya Sabha candidates is expected after the formal announcement and swearing-in process related to the anticipated leadership change in Karnataka.
