Can similar apps be uploaded on Apple Store?
The problem is you're trying to upload an app that already is very similar to existing apps.  

Yes, you're probably getting rejected because both apps are under the same dev account.  You could try 'reviewer roulette' and see if you submit under another dev account that another reviewer will approve it. That's unlikely based on how the App Store has been cracking-down on apps such as yours (that are very similar to other apps).

My recommendation is not to do this.  Add the items from the second app into the first app.