In just a matter of 16 months, the YSRTP, the political party launched by YSR’s daughter YS Sharmila, is as good as dead. Despite over 1500 km padayatra of Sharmila, the party has failed to make a mark. It has failed to create a buzz. It has failed to become even a marginal player in Telangana politics.
Several of the senior leaders who joined the party are now either out of the party or totally silent. Leaders like Indira Shobhan felt insulted by YS Sharmila’s behaviour and left the party. She is currently in the Aam Aadmi Party. Senior leaders like Konda Raghava Reddy too are silent. He is said to have told his supporters that he did not want to waste time anymore. He is said to be unhappy at not being given any importance in the party.
Another senior leader, Gattu Ramachandra Rao, too joined the party amid fanfare but fell silent soon after. Gattu has played a key role in the YSRCP before the bifurcation of the state and joined the TRS after the formation of Telangana. He joined YS Sharmila recently, but found the situation none too encouraging.
It is also clear that the crowds are dwindling for Sharmila’s yatra. In most places, daily wagers are being hired to ensure that the venues are full. But, at the end of the day, the yatra has failed to create any impact in Telangana. She is now set to launch another phase of her padayatra from July 10.