Resignation is in protest against bifurcation of the state to create Telangana
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy finally put in his papers today. The resignation comes one day after the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill got the approval of Lok Sabha. Reddy's resignation could pave way for imposition of President's rule in the state.
“I am resigning in protest against the unilateral manner in which the party leadership went ahead with bifurcation, ignoring the state’s interests,” said Reddy in a press meet held Wednesday morning before he handed over his resignation letter to the state governor E S L Narasimhan.
He pointed out that the Bill sent by the President to the state was rejected by the state Assembly. He alleged that the Congress leadership in collusion with the main Opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party, had ensured passage of the Telanagana Bill in Lok Sabha, violating all the democratic conventions and practices.“ This was much against the interests of the Telugu speaking people on the two sides, he said.
Reddy said he was not against the aspirations of the people of Telangana but that he was opposing the decision to bifurcate the state since it would adversely affect development and it would lead to resource-sharing issues and disputes between the two states regarding irrigation, power, employment and education.
Speculation about his resignation has been doing the rounds ever since the Congress Working Committee recommended bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in July last year. The chief minister, a leader from Seemandhra region, has been openly fighting against the bifurcation of the state.
Along with the chief minister, six Congress ministers, 13 MLAs and five MLCs from Seemandhra have submitted their resignations.
In Seemandhra districts of Andhra Pradesh, a one-day bandh is under way. Protests are being staged in many parts of the 13 Seemandhra districts.
The controversial Bill to create Telangana was passed by voice vote in Lok Sabha yesterday while its live telecast was cut off in an unprecedented blackout. Telangana is going to be separated from Andhra Pradesh after staying united for 58 years.
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