Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – In a move that has escalated political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, YS Sharmila, president of the YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) and daughter of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has been placed under house arrest by police in Vijayawada. The house arrest was made to prevent Sharmila from leading a “Chalo Secretariat” protest that aimed to pressure the state government to address the critical issue of rising unemployment.
Sharmila’s History of Confrontation with YSRCP
The house arrest marks another chapter in the ongoing political battle between Sharmila and the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy. Sharmila, the sister of the Chief Minister, has been highly critical of the YSRCP government’s policies and has previously accused the party of abandoning her father’s legacy.
Government Denies Protest Permission, Leaders Detained
Sharmila’s plan to lead a protest march to the state secretariat was met with a swift response from authorities, who denied permission and initiated a crackdown on opposition leaders. Several prominent Congress leaders were reportedly detained or placed under house arrest to prevent them from participating in the protest.
Sharmila’s Accusations and Public Outcry
Speaking to the media from her residence, Sharmila fiercely condemned the police actions, terming them “dictatorial” and accusing the YSRCP government of suppressing democratic voices. “This is a dark day for democracy in Andhra Pradesh,” she asserted. Sharmila’s words have resonated with her supporters, leading to widespread protests and calls for her immediate release.
Opposition Rallies Behind Sharmila
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties across the state, who have accused the YSRCP government of resorting to authoritarian measures. Leaders from various parties have expressed solidarity with Sharmila, further escalating political tensions.
Implications for Andhra Pradesh Politics
YS Sharmila’s house arrest is likely to have significant repercussions on the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. The incident could galvanize opposition forces and intensify their challenge to the YSRCP government in the lead-up to the state elections.
She further added that the AP government failed to produce employment for youth and added unemployment in AP is a major issue resulting in suicides of many degree, PG, and graduated youth. She criticised the failed governance of her brother Jagan Mohan Reddy
She was further detained by the police in Vijayawada on her way toward AP Secretariat. Sharmila’s supporters and party sub-ordinates are adding its a cowardly move from the state government claiming the Chief Minister has no empathy towards his own sister.
Tirri Venkat Vinod