YS Sharmila Holds Key Talks With Rahul Gandhi in Delhi

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y.S. Sharmila met senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday, amid the party’s renewed efforts to rebuild its presence in Andhra Pradesh .

The meeting took place at 10 Janpath , the residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi . Discussions reportedly focused on strengthening the Congress party at the grassroots level in Andhra Pradesh and preparing a long-term political strategy for the state.

Following the meeting, Sharmila shared details on social media platform X, stating that she had an extensive discussion with Rahul Gandhi on reviving the party’s organizational structure in Andhra Pradesh. She said the Congress leader offered key suggestions and guidance aimed at expanding the party’s reach and reconnecting with voters.

The meeting assumes significance as the Congress has struggled to regain political relevance in Andhra Pradesh since the state’s bifurcation in 2014 . The party has failed to win even a single seat in the 175-member Assembly over the past decade.

At present, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a constituent of the NDA at the Centre, holds power in the state with a commanding majority of 135 seats in the Assembly. Against this backdrop, the Congress leadership appears keen on rebuilding the party from the ground up and restoring its political footing in the state.

Before meeting Sharmila, Rahul Gandhi also held separate discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in connection with the anticipated reshuffle of the Karnataka cabinet.