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The once close bond between Jagan Mohan Reddy, the YSR Congress Party chief, and his sister Y S Sharmila, has fractured beyond repair. What was once a shared legacy and familial closeness has devolved into a bitter rivalry fueled by political ambition and a fight over family assets. The story of their estrangement offers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of familial ties in the face of political power struggles.
The seeds of their discord were sown in the aftermath of their father, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), a Congress stalwart, who left behind a significant political legacy. Initially, Sharmila’s support was instrumental for Jagan, who faced a CBI case after attempting to claim his father's legacy and was subsequently jailed in 2012. She undertook padyatras to support him, echoing their father's successful political strategy. This initial solidarity, however, proved short-lived.
With Jagan's rise to power in Andhra Pradesh in 2019, a shift in dynamics became evident. While Sharmila anticipated a role in the party, Jagan, seemingly focusing on solidifying his own authority, offered no space for her, even in organizational ranks. This perceived exclusion, coupled with the concentration of real power in Jagan's hands, intensified the rift between the siblings, particularly when their mother, Y S Vijayamma, found herself sidelined despite being the honorary president of the YSRCP. This led Sharmila to explore her own political avenues.
In 2021, Sharmila established the YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) in Telangana, a region she saw as an opportunity to make her mark after being shut out in Andhra. This move, while seemingly driven by political ambition, also carried the weight of familial hurt and a desire for recognition. The rivalry intensified further with their mother siding with Sharmila, culminating in Vijayamma’s resignation as honorary president of the YSRCP.
The subsequent political battles in Telangana, with Sharmila's padyatras facing opposition and her party failing to garner expected support, highlighted the challenges of entering a crowded political landscape. Financial strains added to her woes, further exacerbated by Jagan’s court cases, which prevented her from accessing certain family assets. Sharmila’s subsequent attempt to find a foothold in Andhra politics, joining the Congress, further inflamed the conflict with Jagan.
Their current dispute, centered around shares in Saraswati Power and Industries Ltd, serves as a stark reminder of the bitter legacy of their once close relationship. Jagan accuses Sharmila of illegal and deceitful actions, while she maintains the validity of her position. This public exchange highlights the deep resentment and mistrust that now permeates their relationship.
The Jagan-Sharmila feud serves as a cautionary tale, showcasing how the allure of power and the desire for recognition can overshadow familial bonds. It serves as a stark reminder that even the closest of families can be fractured by the relentless pursuit of ambition. The saga of these siblings, once united by their father's legacy, now represents a stark illustration of the corrosive nature of political rivalry.
Source: Jagan Reddy vs sister Sharmila: From politics to money, why siblings turned rivals