Senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramachandra Rao, who had distanced himself from active politics within the party, seems to have suddenly reengaged following Sharmila's entry into the Congress.
KVP, once regarded as an extra-constitutional authority during Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy's regime, wielded significant influence in the Congress, playing a pivotal role in candidate selection. During those days, almost all Congress leaders sought KVP's favor to align with YSR.
After YSR's demise and the Congress losing ground in Andhra Pradesh, KVP faded into virtual political obscurity. However, with YSR's daughter, Sharmila, assuming the role of president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, KVP is reportedly back in action, undertaking the responsibility of restoring the party's glory in AP.
Accompanying Sharmila, KVP visited Idupulapaya from Hyderabad on Saturday to pay homage to YSR, before heading to Vijayawada where she assumed office as the PCC chief.
He referred to Sharmila as his niece and expressed hope that she would lead Congress back to power.
Reportedly, KVP has initiated contact with senior leaders who were prominent during YSR's tenure but are now struggling within the YSR Congress party. He aims to bring them back into the Congress fold to bolster Sharmila's position.
In addition to providing moral support, KVP is actively assisting Sharmila in devising strategies to reclaim the party's lost ground.
He is also working to recruit senior leaders from weaker sections into the Congress. Sources suggest that KVP is likely to take direct action in the coming days.
