She said the Congress was currently undertaking a movement for MGNREGA workers, while challenging Jagan to clarify whom his yatra was meant to serve and for what purpose. Sharmila mounted a blistering attack on the YSRCP government’s record between 2019 and 2024

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y.S. Sharmila on Thursday launched a scathing attack on her brother and YSR Congress Party chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, declaring that “power does not suit Jagan” and alleging that his true nature was exposed during his five-year tenure as Chief Minister.

Addressing the media at the Congress office in Vijayawada, Sharmila made a series of sharp remarks questioning Jagan’s leadership, governance record and political intentions ahead of the 2029 Assembly elections. Quoting former US President Abraham Lincoln, she said, “If you want to know a man’s true character, give him power. Andhra Pradesh gave Jagan power, and we all witnessed what kind of governance he delivered. It has become clear that power does not suit him.”

She alleged that Jagan’s behaviour while in office reflected arrogance and isolation from the public. “He must change his nature. Unless selfishness reduces and a genuine spirit of public service develops, neither God nor the people will bless him,” she said. Reacting strongly to Jagan’s announcement of a padayatra planned for July 2027, Sharmila questioned the timing and motive behind it. “Why announce a yatra two years in advance? That journey is not for the people, it is purely for power,” she alleged.

Drawing a contrast, she said the Congress was currently undertaking a movement for MGNREGA workers, while challenging Jagan to clarify whom his yatra was meant to serve and for what purpose. Sharmila mounted a blistering attack on the YSRCP government’s record between 2019 and 2024. “What did Jagan actually deliver to the people? He promised prohibition but instead flooded the state with spurious liquor, minting thousands of crores. He destroyed the centuries-old Rushikonda hills.

As Chief Minister, did he ever come among the people?” she asked. She further alleged that Jagan remained inaccessible even to his own party leaders, offering appointments only during election season under the banner of ‘Siddham’ meetings. Raising questions over unfulfilled commitments, Sharmila asked why the Jalayagnam irrigation projects launched by Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy were not completed and why several election promises were abandoned.

Stating that electoral revival was impossible without introspection, she said Jagan’s only path to political survival lay in changing his conduct and governance approach. “If he wants to win again,” Sharmila asserted, “he must first change himself.”