YS Sharmila urges people to join Congress and help rejuvenate the party in A.P.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y. S. Sharmila on Monday (June 30) urged people who had respect for the Congress ideology, who had political aspirations and wanted to become MLAs in the future, to join the party.

Addressing a press conference at Andhra Ratna Bhawan here, Ms. Sharmila said the Congress party was seeking to rejuvenate itself by bringing in fresh faces and young blood into its leadership in Andhra Pradesh.

She said the party stands strong on the pillars of commitment, ethical leadership, democratic values and secularism. It had dedicated leaders, a rich legacy and a clear vision for inclusive governance. “What the party lacks at this moment is resources,” she admitted, adding that to build and revitalise the party, especially at the grassroot levels, the party leadership needed the support of individuals who not only believe in Congress values, but are also willing to invest their time, effort and resources into strengthening the organisation. “We are ready to provide a platform for such individuals,” she said.

Pointing out that the Congress party had brought independence to the country, it had built the nation and that it was rooted in the sacrifices of many great leaders, she said but the party lacked resources. “If the Congress had sufficient resources, it could rise as a major political force in the State,” she said.

She said joining a party just before elections seeking the party ticket is not the right approach. “Public service should begin early. If you join the party now, in the next four years, you can grow into a people’s leader. We need to strengthen the party by next elections,” she said, reiterating her appeal for fresh faces to join the Congress and serve the party enthusiastically for the larger good of the people of Andhra Pradesh State. 

Former MP and senior Congress leader J.D. Seelam, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Sk. Mastan Vali and Kolanukonda Shivaji and others were present at the press conference.