Amaravati Property Dispute: Y. S. Vijayamma’s Open Letter to YSR Supporters

In a poignant open letter addressed to admirers of her late husband, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), Y. S. Vijayamma has publicly refuted claims regarding the distribution of family assets between her children, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Y. S. Sharmila. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions within the family, particularly regarding property disputes that have emerged following YSR’s death in 2009.

Vijayamma expressed her distress over the situation, countering assertions made by prominent leaders of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), including Y.V. Subba Reddy and V. Vijaya Sai Reddy. These leaders had claimed that YSR had divided the family assets between Jagan and Sharmila during his lifetime. Vijayamma clarified that while YSR did allocate certain assets to each child as they grew up, this should not be interpreted as a formal division of family property.

In her letter, Vijayamma emphasized that the assets given to Jagan and Sharmila were not part of a division but rather personal gifts from their father. She pointed out that both Subba Reddy and Vijaya Sai Reddy, who were familiar with the family’s financial arrangements, had chosen to misrepresent the truth. Notably, Subba Reddy had signed as a witness on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the property distribution between Jagan and Sharmila.

Vijayamma also supported Sharmila’s assertion that YSR had intended for the family assets to be equally divided among his four grandchildren. “It’s a fact that Jagan worked hard, which increased the value of the assets, but it is equally true that all assets are family properties,” she wrote.

Addressing the dynamics following YSR’s death, Vijayamma noted that the family had remained united from 2009 until 2019. She recounted that Jagan had provided Sharmila with Rs. 200 crore as her share of dividends, highlighting an MoU that designated 60 percent of the shares to Jagan and 40 percent to Sharmila. Prior to this arrangement, dividends had been shared equally, reflecting YSR’s wishes.

Vijayamma disclosed that, shortly after Jagan assumed office in 2019, he proposed the distribution of assets during a trip to Israel, resulting in certain properties being assigned to each sibling. She affirmed that the assets Jagan promised to share with Sharmila were rightfully hers and should not be perceived as gifts.

She further outlined discrepancies regarding the transfer of properties not under the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) attachment, stressing that promises made by Jagan had not been fulfilled. This included shares in Saraswati Power and other properties that were not transferred to Sharmila, as well as pending court cases affecting assets linked to Bharati Cements and Sakshi Media.

Vijayamma portrayed Sharmila as politically dedicated, underscoring her selfless contributions to Jagan’s political career. She lamented the unfair treatment Sharmila had allegedly received, reinforcing her role as a parent to advocate for justice within her family.

“In matters of family, it is impossible to choose between children. However, it is equally imperative to stand against injustice,” Vijayamma stated, asserting her commitment to truth and fairness amidst the prevailing family strife.

In concluding her letter, Vijayamma emphasized her responsibility to clarify the facts to YSR’s supporters, who may have been misled by the narratives circulating within political circles. She reiterated the bond between her children, indicating that they were capable of resolving their differences independently, despite the complexities introduced by external influences.