AP CM’s sister plans to merger of her party with Cong

Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s estranged sister, YS Sharmila, who started her own party Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Telangana Party (YSRTP) two years ago, is learnt to be in talks with Congress for a merger that could happen soon, given that both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will face assembly polls in less than a year. Sources said Congress wants Sharmila to focus on Andhra Pradesh, home turf of her late father and former CM of united Andhra Pradesh YS Rajasekhara Reddy, while her party primarily operates in Telangana and she could be reluctant in taking on her brother. A Congress insider said YSR stood for united Andhra Pradesh and that sentiment could go against Sharmila in Telangana where she may be seen as an “outsider”.