YSR Congress Party leader Sharmila is getting a warm welcome on her Maro Praja Prasthanam journey. Wherever she goes, people from all walks of life have given her a rousing welcome.

Sharmila who was in Mylavaram Constituency as part of her padayatra on Monday was pleasantly surprised to see hundreds of old women among the crowd that had come to express solidarity with her. Scores of villagers met Sharmila to tell her about how grateful they were to YSR for implementing welfare schemes that benefits the poor.

Mandada Sittamma (95) from Battivari palem, who walked along with Sharmila for some time, talked about the contrasting lives they lived then and now.

Sitamma told Sharmila: "Your father had ensured Rs 200 pension for me to lead a decent life. Now, I am too old and reached the last stage in life. I wish to leave this world only after casting my vote to Jagan." Mangamam (85) from G.Kodauru, said, "Your father was like a son to us. Although my sons left us after they grew up. We could lead a peaceful life only because of the pension scheme implemented by your father. Unfortunately, the God who helped us is not amongst us today. We were back on the streets soon after his demise as the new chief minister (Kiran Kumar Reddy) has not bothered to check if we are getting out due. Nobody really cares if we eat or not. Jagan should come and help senior citizens."

Several old women participated in Sharmila's Maro Praja Prastanam. After listening to all the good words about her father and family from scores of people gathered there, an overwhelmed Sharmila asked: "Amma, you are generously showering praises on my father and our family. How can we repay this?"

Sharmila assured them that her brother YS Jagan Mohan Reddy would soon be out of prison and bring back YSR's golden era. "Jagan anna will certainly re-implement YSR's welfare schemes made for the benefit of the poor. And during his regime, he will increase the pension amount from Rs 200 to Rs 500 so that all the senior citizens of this state (who are my family) will be benefitted."

The YSRCP leader's padayatra entered 122nd day on Tuesday. She began her foot march from Madapur. Sharmila will walk upto Munagapadu before taking a break. Post lunch session, she will visit Sunnampadu, Telladevarapadu,Gangineni and Duggiralapadu regions. The YSRCP leader is expected to cover 15 kms today.

- Siva@Sakshipost