In a fiery political statement that has stirred fresh debate in Andhra Pradesh’s pre-election landscape, Congress leader YS Sharmila accused the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of functioning as the “B-team” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing media in Vijayawada on August 22, 2025, Sharmila claimed that the YSRCP’s recent political maneuvers and silence on key national issues have once again “unmasked” its covert alliance with the BJP.
The remarks come amid rising speculation over political realignments in the state ahead of the 2025 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Sharmila, who merged her YSR Telangana Party with the Congress earlier this year and now serves as the Andhra Pradesh Congress Working President, has been vocal in her criticism of both the BJP and YSRCP, accusing them of undermining democratic institutions and ignoring the plight of Andhra’s citizens.
🧭 YS Sharmila’s Allegations Against YSRCP
| Allegation Area | Statement Summary by YS Sharmila |
|---|---|
| Political Alignment | “YSRCP has been unmasked again as BJP’s B-team.” |
| Silence on National Issues | “Why is YSRCP silent on Manipur, NEET paper leaks, and inflation?” |
| Support in Parliament | “YSRCP backs BJP on every bill, including anti-federal ones.” |
| Betrayal of Andhra Interests | “They failed to secure Special Category Status or Polavaram funds.” |
Sharmila accused Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of compromising Andhra’s interests to stay in BJP’s good books, especially in matters related to CBI cases and ED investigations.
📊 Parliamentary Voting Patterns: YSRCP’s Support to BJP
| Bill/Issue Voted On | BJP’s Position | YSRCP’s Vote | Opposition Stand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Services Bill | In Favor | Supported | Opposed |
| Women’s Reservation Bill | In Favor | Supported | Mixed |
| Farm Laws (2021) | In Favor | Supported | Opposed |
| Electoral Bonds | In Favor | Supported | Opposed |
| GST Compensation Extension | In Favor | Abstained | Demanded clarity |
Sharmila cited these voting records to argue that YSRCP has consistently sided with the BJP, even when it meant going against Andhra Pradesh’s interests.
🔍 Sharmila’s Critique of CM Jagan’s Governance
YS Sharmila didn’t hold back in her criticism of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s governance model, calling it “autocratic, opaque, and disconnected from people’s realities.”
| Governance Area | Criticism by YS Sharmila |
|---|---|
| Education | “Schools lack basic infrastructure and teachers.” |
| Healthcare | “PHCs are understaffed; Aarogyasri is dysfunctional.” |
| Unemployment | “Youth are migrating due to lack of jobs.” |
| Women’s Safety | “Crime against women has increased under YSRCP.” |
| Welfare Schemes | “Most schemes are politically branded, not people-centric.” |
She also accused the YSRCP of misusing welfare schemes for electoral gains and suppressing dissent through police intimidation.
🧠 Congress’s Counter Strategy in Andhra Pradesh
With Sharmila’s entry into the Congress fold, the party has intensified its campaign to reclaim lost ground in Andhra Pradesh. The Congress is banking on a three-pronged strategy:
- Exposing YSRCP’s alleged proximity to BJP
- Rebuilding grassroots networks through padayatras and booth-level outreach
- Positioning itself as the only party capable of delivering a secular, development-oriented governance model
| Congress Strategy Pillar | Implementation Plan |
|---|---|
| Anti-BJP Narrative | Highlight YSRCP’s support to BJP in Parliament |
| Youth & Women Outreach | Launch of “Yuva Shakti” and “Mahila Nyaya” campaigns |
| Alliance Building | Talks with Left parties and regional outfits |
| Legacy Revival | Recalling YSR legacy with a progressive twist |
Sharmila has been tasked with leading the campaign in Rayalaseema and coastal districts, where Congress once held significant sway.
📉 Political Reactions from YSRCP and BJP
YSRCP leaders dismissed Sharmila’s remarks as “desperate theatrics” and accused her of trying to stay politically relevant by attacking her brother’s government. Party spokesperson Ambati Rambabu said:
“She has no moral authority to speak on governance. Her statements are politically motivated and lack substance.”
BJP leaders, meanwhile, maintained that their party has no formal alliance with YSRCP and that parliamentary cooperation is issue-based.
| Party Responding | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| YSRCP | “Sharmila is trying to create confusion.” |
| BJP | “No alliance with YSRCP; cooperation is issue-based.” |
| TDP | “Both YSRCP and BJP are two sides of the same coin.” |
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also joined the chorus, accusing both YSRCP and BJP of failing to deliver on promises made to Andhra Pradesh post-bifurcation.
🧠 Sharmila’s Political Positioning Ahead of 2025 Elections
YS Sharmila’s aggressive stance is part of a broader effort to position herself as a credible alternative voice in Andhra politics. Her campaign focuses on:
- Restoring democratic values
- Ensuring transparency in governance
- Rebuilding Andhra’s economy through inclusive policies
| Political Priority | Sharmila’s Proposed Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Special Category Status | Renewed demand with legal and fiscal roadmap |
| Youth Employment | Skill hubs and startup incubators |
| Women Empowerment | Safety audits and financial inclusion schemes |
| Farmer Welfare | MSP guarantees and irrigation reforms |
She has also promised to set up a “People’s Accountability Commission” to audit government schemes and expenditures.
📌 Conclusion
YS Sharmila’s sharp critique of the YSRCP and its alleged proximity to the BJP has reignited political discourse in Andhra Pradesh. By branding the ruling party as the “B-team” of the BJP, she has positioned herself and the Congress as the principal challengers to the status quo.
As Andhra Pradesh heads into a high-stakes electoral season, the battle lines are being drawn not just around governance, but around ideological clarity, federal integrity, and political accountability. Whether Sharmila’s campaign can translate into electoral traction remains to be seen—but her voice is now firmly part of the conversation.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and political statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or electoral advice.
