A day after Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila alleged that her uncle Y S Vivekananda Reddy was murdered over the dispute for the Kadapa MP ticket, the YSR Congress party came down heavily on her.
Former MLA Rachamallu Sivaprasad Reddy on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Sharmila, accusing her of crossing all limits in her criticism against her brother and YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Addressing the media, Rachamallu alleged that both Sharmila and Viveka’s daughter Sunitha had tarnished the dignity and legacy of the YSR family through their recent statements and political actions.
He expressed strong disapproval over what he described as “unrestrained and inappropriate remarks” made against Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The former legislator further claimed that Jagan Mohan Reddy had extended substantial financial support to Sharmila in the past, amounting to Rs 236 crore, which he said was provided in instalments.
He suggested that despite such support, her current stance against Jagan was politically motivated.
Rachamallu also alleged that Sharmila’s political moves were indirectly benefiting Telugu Desam Party president and chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
According to him, her actions appeared aimed at weakening the YSRCP and thereby strengthening the ruling coalition led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
He went on to claim that Sharmila and Sunitha were being misled and would eventually be “betrayed” by Chandrababu Naidu.
“It is only a matter of time before they realise this. When that happens, they will have no option but to return to Jagan Mohan Reddy,” he asserted.
Sharmila on Wednesday said her uncle had told her he believed the present MP, Avinash Reddy, was not suitable for the Kadapa MP position.
Despite Vivekananda Reddy's repeated attempts to inform Jaganmohan Reddy of this, the ticket was still given to Avinash Reddy.
Sharmila Reddy alleged that Avinash Reddy felt Vivekananda Reddy would be a thorn in his foot if he were alive.
She accused her brother Jagan of seeking a CBI inquiry into the murder for his own gain. She claimed that he became chief minister by utilising Viveka's murder episode.
YSRCP state general secretary Singareddy Satish Kumar Reddy alleged that Sharmila was functioning as a political mouthpiece for Naidu and demanded that she disclose who funded her election expenses.
“Sharmila’s political actions are aligned with Chandrababu’s interests and questioned whether the funds she spent during the elections came from him,” he said.
He further said it that the Vivekananda Reddy murder case is being deliberately prolonged until the 2029 elections for political gain, with Sunitha being used to file petitions and keep the issue alive.
Satish Reddy said Chandrababu is using Sharmila and Sunitha as political tools to target Jagan Mohan Reddy whenever he faces political challenges, and that selective media coverage is being driven by this agenda.
He criticised that instead of seeking a speedy conclusion to her father’s murder case, Sunitha is aiding political interests by prolonging the investigation.
He further said that Chandrababu is behind the legal and political strategy in the Viveka case, pointing out that the same legal counsel is appearing for multiple parties connected to the case, which raises serious questions.
He said that if the investigation proceeds fully, it could bring out facts that may damage reputations, and accused the opposition of selectively targeting individuals like Avinash Reddy despite his clean public record.
Satish Reddy challenged Sharmila and Sunitha to come for an open public debate or even take an oath before God along with family members regarding the case, stating that Avinash Reddy is ready for either.
