Sharmila likely to be nominated to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka

Vijayawada: The AICC leadership is reportedly considering nominating Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.Sharmila met senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi on Friday. Though she officially stated that the meeting focused on organisational matters related to Andhra Pradesh, party insiders believe her Delhi visit was aimed at staking claim for a Rajya Sabha berth.Sharing details of the meeting, Sharmila said she discussed several issues related to strengthening the Congress in Andhra Pradesh and received “valuable suggestions” from Rahul Gandhi. “We discussed various issues related to strengthening the Congress in Andhra Pradesh and received several suggestions from Rahul Gandhi ji,” she said.According to sources, the AICC leadership had earlier assured Sharmila of a Rajya Sabha opportunity while appointing her as APCC chief nearly two years ago. The Congress leadership had entrusted her with the responsibility of reviving the party in Andhra Pradesh by reclaiming the political legacy of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy from YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSR Congress Party.Sources said the party high command is believed to have responded positively to Sharmila’s request to bring her to the Upper House as part of efforts to strengthen the Congress in Andhra Pradesh. The development assumes significance as the Congress is expected to secure three Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka in the upcoming elections. Sharmila enjoys cordial relations with top Congress leaders, including with CM-in-waiting DK Shivakumar in Karnataka.Since taking charge as AP Congress president, Sharmila has consistently targeted her brother Jagan over his alleged misrule during the previous YSRCP regime. Political observers believe the Congress sees Sharmila as a key leader capable of reviving the party’s base among supporters of the late YSR.