In an apparent move to counter the marathon padayatra "Vastunna Mee Kosam" launched by Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, the YSR Congress party too has announced that YSR's daughter Sharmila will undertake a similar padyatra from October 18.
Addressing a press conference at YSRCP headquarters at Lotus Pond here on Thursday, YSR Congress party Honorary President YS Vijaya Lakshmi on Thursday announced that her daughter Sharmila would undertake "Praja Prasthanam" padayatra from October 18. The padyatra would begin from YSR's samadhi at Idupulapaya in Cuddapah district. After covering about 3,000 kilometres, the padyatra will end in Ichapuram of Srikakulam district. It means that Sharmila would be covering an additional distance of over 600 kms compared to Naidu's padyatra.
Vijayamma, however, refused to comment anything about whether the padayatra would also cover the Telangana districts. She said the party would soon announce the entire route map of padyatra. She also denied that "Praja Prasthanam" padayatra was aimed to counter Naidu's Yatra. Instead, she said it was Naidu who emulated former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy by undertaking padyatra.
The YSRCP Honorary president alleged that there was no administration in the State and Kiran Kumar Reddy's Government has failed on all fronts. She said all segments were badly hit due to energy crisis. While lakhs of farmers have lost or were on the verge of losing their crops, several industries have shut down due to power outages. She also alleged that the Telugu Desam Party has failed to play the role of a responsible main opposition party. She said Naidu undertook the padyatra only to return to power in next elections and not for the people.
Vijayamma's also announced that Kadapa MP and her son YS Jagammohan Reddy would continue his Odarpu Yatra after his release from the jail. She said the only aim of the YSR Congress party was to realise the unfulfilled dreams of YSR for the State and its people.
Nellore MP Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy, Spokespersons Ambati Rambabu and Bajireddy Govardhan Reddy and former MP K Ramakrishna were also present.