I wasn’t able to locate a direct report stating that Y. S. Sharmila compared the BJP to British rulers for dividing people on the basis of religion, region, and language. However, this kind of rhetoric is not uncommon in Indian political discourse. For instance:

• On Independence Day, August 15, 2025, Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party took a veiled dig at certain organizations—widely interpreted as a reference to the RSS/BJP—suggesting they should “thank the British” for creating divisions along religious lines in India (The Times of India).

This highlights a broader trend where opposition figures employ historical metaphors, likening contemporary political strategies to the celebrated colonial tactic of “divide and rule”.

What We Know About Y. S. Sharmila’s Criticism of BJP

Although I didn’t find mention of British comparisons, there are several confirmed statements from YS Sharmila in which she strongly criticized the BJP’s tactics:

• She accused the BJP of “dividing people in the name of religion”, calling it a grave threat to the country (TheBetterAndhra, The News Minute).
• In another instance, she condemned other parties—including her own brother’s YSRCP and TDP—for cozying up to the BJP, implying that such alliances further foster divisiveness (TheBetterAndhra).
• In a broader political context, she labeled CM Jagan Mohan Reddy—and other prominent leaders—as “slaves to the BJP”, claiming that they capitulated to the party’s agenda at the expense of Andhra Pradesh’s interests (The Times of India).

Summary Table

If you have access to the specific ANI news link with Sharmila’s remarks, feel free to share its contents—especially any quotes or context—and I’ll be more than happy to craft a precise, accurate summary for you.

• The Times of India