Andhra Pradesh plunged into a fresh political crisis today with 93 MLAs and a MP belonging to Congress resigning in protest against the Centre's decision to carve out a separate Telangana state. The legislators submitted their resignation to Assembly Speaker Kiran Kuamr Reddy, a day after the Centre announced that steps will be initiated for the formation of Telangana State.<br/><br/>Expressing concern over the centre’s decision, Congress Lok Sabha member L Raj Gopal and TDP floor leader in Rajya Sabha Mysoora Reddy have tendered resignations in Delhi. Chief Minister K Rosaiah convened cabinet meeting this evening to review the situation following the day-long hectic political developments.<br/><br/>Addressing a press conference, the speaker said he would talk to each member personally before taking final decision on the resignations. Stating that 53 Congress MLAs, 29 from TDP and 11 from Praja Rajyam have tendered their resignations, he said he would act as per the rule book on the resignations.<br/><br/>Home Minister P. Chidambaram said in Parliament that he had spoken to TRS Chief K.Chandrasekhar Rao and invited him for talks. <br/><br/>Eighteen Members of Parliament from Congress today met the party President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to discuss the situation arising out of the proposal of carving out a separate state from Andhra Pradesh. The meeting took place after differences emerged within the party following the announcement by the Home Minster last night. Mr. Chidambaram said that the Andhra assembly will initiate the process by moving a resolution to this effect. Party sources told our correspondent that Mrs. Gandhi assured the members that that rank and file of the party including the Members of Parliament and Legislators, before a consensus is arrived at. The meeting was convened by the Congress President after the Congress MP from Vijayawada Mr. Lagadapati Rajagopal tendered resignation to the speaker Mrs. Meira Kumar in protest of the decision. Reports from Hyderabad say that as many as 40 Congress MLAs have tendered their resignation in Andhra Pradesh.
News On AIR | December 10, 2009 8:09 PM
Andhra MLAs resign protesting Telangana creation decision