Sharmila merges her party with Congress

New Delhi: YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) leader YS Sharmila on Thursday merged her party with the Congress.

Sharmila, daughter of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. Rajasekhara Reddy, joined the Congress in the presence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and top leader Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders welcomed her into Congress with party scarves. Supporters of Sharmila raised slogans at the programme held at AICC headquarters here.

Sharmila’s husband Anil Kumar, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Rudra Raju were also present. Later, Sharmila told media persons that she was delighted to merge YSRTP with the Congress party.

Sharmila said whatever responsibility the Congress party gives her, she will try to fulfill with loyalty and integrity. “It was my father’s dream to see Mr Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister and I am happy that I am going to be a part to make it happen,” she said.

“Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the legendary leader of Telugu people not only served the Congress party all his life but also gave his life serving the Congress party. Today it will give him great joy that his daughter is following in his footsteps and going to be a part of the Congress party,” she added.