Sharmila releases Congress manifesto, promises SCS to AP

TIRUPATI: APCC chief YS Sharmila released the Congress party manifesto at Kadapa DCC office premises on Monday. One of the key promises was granting special category status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh for 10 years.
Sharmila, who held roadshows and rallies at Proddatur during the day, denied accusations by some ruling party leaders that she demanded govt works to the tune of 1,000 crore."They are spreading lies against me. YSRCP has stooped so low that they even questioned my birth and insulted my mother Vijayamma," she said, adding that she would quit politics if the charges against her are proved.
Calling her detractors "dogs lured by biscuits", she challenged them to disclose how much money they have received to make such accusations. She asked people to consider the claims made by chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy about the involvement of an industrial group in YSR's death which led to attacks on the company and legal entanglements.
"But after becoming the CM, Jagan awarded MP seat to individuals associated with the same company," she alleged.
Sharmila also denied claims that her husband met Avinash Reddy.
"Unlike Avinash, we do not engage in questionable activities at odd hours," she said, while urging people to introspect if Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy has any moral ground to contest again after his involvement in the YS Viveka murder case was brought to light by the CBI. She appealed to people to pledge support to her in her maiden election and vowed to relive the ideals of her father and former chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy.