Kiran Kumar Reddy Kiran Kumar Reddy

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on Wednesday said he was demitting office and quiting the Congress party. He announced this before going to the state governor E.S.L. Narasimhan to give in his resignation letter and disclosed that he would request the Governor to make alternative arrangements as soon as possible. He underlined the fact that he was resigning today "as I have failed to protect the interests of the Telugu people in keeping Andhra Pradesh united."

"I am grateful to the Congress party for making me Chief Minister. But it is with great distress that I have to leave the party and resign as the chief minister and MLA besides the party. The anti democratic manner in which Andhra Pradesh is being divided is not for good people on either side of the divide. I had asked to be relieved when the CWC decided on bifurcation pointing out it is difficult but was told by Sonia Gandhi that it was an equally difficult decision for her and told to remain in office," explained Kiran Kumar at a 20 minute meeting with media, during which he offered a public apology "if he had hurt anyone by any of his actions."

Kiran Reddy spoke with about 30 odd influential party activists, including ministers, MLAs and MLCs, to hint clearly that he enjoys a following and a backing though he had the singular distinction of becoming chief minister on November 25, 2010 without any ministerial experience earlier. But he did not disclose what his plans in politics are. "My family has been associated with the Congress since 1962 and contested 12 elections. Therefore, it is with a very heavy heart that I am leaving the party," he emphasized.

What is significant is that he did not target the Congress though he said that what several parties, including the Congress did, in supporting the bifurcation is to be condemned. "What has happened in dividing the Telugu people is for seats, votes and power and for not benefitting them. Any reorganization should have led to gains for the people. But by this decision the progress and relationships made over 58 years is being stalled. People in the Seemandhra and the Telangana regions are to lose in terms of education opportunities, health facilities, sharing of water and other resources. This is what I have consistently objected to in the move to reorganize and divide Andhra Pradesh," said Kiran Reddy.

"From the time the decision was made there have been defects and loopholes in the process at every stage. This is wholly unfair to the Telugu people and this is why I am quitting to convey my distress as well as others who are with me. This is a matter of shame," said the chief minister.