Mounting pressure on the Centre over the Telangana issue, Andhra Pradesh endowments minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Friday sent his resignation letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, saying it was a “sacrifice” for the sake of a separate state.
“I had announced earlier that I am ready for any sacrifice for the sake of Telangana. Accordingly, I am sending my resignation letter to Sonia Gandhiji explaining the prevailing situation in Telangana and the strong demand being made by the people for a separate state. I am sending the resignation to put pressure on the Centre. I have given a copy of resignation to the chief minister (N. Kiran Kumar Reddy),” he told reporters here.
Two other ministers from Telangana — Mr Komat-ireddy Venkata Reddy and Mr B. Saraiah — appreciated Mr Rao’s decision.
Though he has sent the resignation letter to Mrs Gandhi, Mr Rao said he would get it accepted by the governor if the Centre failed to take concrete action for formation of separate Telangana during the Budget session of Parliament.
He, however, said he has faith in the leadership of Gandhi and believed that separate Telangana would be achieved.
“The state government employees have started a non- cooperation agitation. Hundreds of youth have committed suicide and every section of Telangana is agitated today and I cannot be mute spectator,” Rao said.
Mr Rao, who hails from Mahabubnagar district, said he will continue to attend to his duties as a minister until the resignation is accepted.
—PTI