Sharmila meets Rahul

Amid speculation over Rajya Sabha nomination

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y. S. Sharmila met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, triggering fresh speculation about a possible Rajya Sabha nomination ahead of the upcoming Upper House elections in Karnataka.

The meeting, which was also attended by AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal, has drawn political attention as the Congress party prepares for Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka.

According to political circles, Sharmila is reportedly seeking a Rajya Sabha seat from Karnataka. It was speculated that the Congress high command had assured her of a Rajya Sabha berth when she merged her YSR Telangana Party with the Congress party and assumed leadership of the party’s Andhra Pradesh unit.

Sources indicate that Sharmila is believed to have conveyed her willingness to represent Andhra Pradesh’s interests in the Rajya Sabha while simultaneously strengthening the Congress organisation in the state. With Rajya Sabha vacancies arising in Karnataka, discussions regarding potential candidates have gained momentum within the party.

Speaking briefly to reporters after the meeting, Sharmila downplayed speculation surrounding the visit. She described it as a routine review meeting with the party leadership and said discussions focused on the latest political developments in Andhra Pradesh. “We had a regular review meeting and discussed the current political situation in Andhra Pradesh,” she told the media while leaving the venue.

Sharmila was accompanied by her husband Anil Kumar during the meeting with Rahul Gandhi.

While the Congress leadership has not made any official announcement regarding Rajya Sabha nominations, the timing of the meeting has fuelled speculation about Sharmila’s possible elevation to the Upper House.