In a significant prelude to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress gained momentum in Andhra Pradesh with the inclusion of YS Sharmila, sister of the incumbent Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The grand event unfolded in New Delhi, witnessed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. Reflecting on her father, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Sharmila expressed his dream of seeing Rahul Gandhi as India's Prime Minister.

Sharmila, announcing the merger of her YSR Telangana Congress with the national Congress, conveyed her joy in becoming part of the Indian National Congress. She highlighted her father's dedicated service to Congress, underscoring the party's enduring commitment to India's culture and unity among diverse communities.

With optimism, Sharmila endorsed Rahul Gandhi's leadership, echoing her father's aspiration for him to be the Prime Minister. Pledging loyalty, integrity, and diligence, she embraced any responsibility entrusted to her by the Congress.

Sharing her feelings after announcing her decision, she posted "It gives me great delight on merging YSR Telangana Party with the Congress party! The party that my father belonged to, the party that he lived in, that he served tirelessly, and breathed his last in. This moment would make him most ecstatic and nothing can be more heartening than this homecoming for me. Back to the party that is the biggest secular party in the country and upholds the pluralistic and true culture of India and had built this nation from its foundation, unwaveringly serving all communities, uniting all. It was my late father’s dream to see Shri Rahul ji as the prime minister. I would work hard towards realising this. As much as the daughter of YSR I will perform as the soldier of Congress for the people of the country, to uphold democratic values, protect constitutional rights and preserve unity and brotherhood amid current disturbing trends perpetrated from divisive forces. I thank Shri Kharge ji, Smt Sonia ji and Shri Rahul ji and all those who stood with me. I will give my best and work towards the victory of the party and the people of the country.@RahulGandhi@kharge"

Having founded the YSR Telangana party in July 2021, Sharmila's move to Congress is viewed as an opportunity for the party to leverage the legacy of her father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy. His untimely demise in 2008 and the subsequent divergence of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy from Congress on the Telangana issue add complexity to the political landscape.