Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy today quit his post and primary membership of Congress party, protesting against the state's division. State Governor E S L Narasimhan has accepted the resignation.
Before tendering his resignation, Mr Reddy expressed his strong protest against the decision of the Central government to divide Telugu speaking people for the sake of votes and seats. Stating that the interests of people on both sides will be damaged, he held the political parties including Congress responsible for the bifurcation. He also strongly condemned the alleged violations of democratic practices adopted by the Centre during the passage of the AP Reorganisation Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Recalling the strong bonds of his family with the Congress party, he said, hearts of crores of people are bleeding in pain as the future generations will loose resources, education, employment and facilities. He did not specify about his future political action including floating a new party.

Eight state ministers and over 25 MLAs also went to meet the Governor along with Mr. Reddy. Most of them have already tendered resignation from their posts and the Legislature.

Our Correspondent reports that strongly condemning the way the state bifurcation is being pushed, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy quit both his post and party.

A number of legislators across party lines from Seemandhra region also tendered resignations a day after the Lok Sabha passed the bill facilitating formation of the separate Telangana state. His resignation has also been approved immediately. He has been vehemently opposing the state bifurcation for the past few days and even sat on dharna in Delhi against the decision of his party high command.

He took reins of the government in November 2010 and the state witnessed several disturbances both in favour of bifurcation and also against it during the past 3 years and three months period. Despite Mr Reddy’s repeated affirmations about his last ball, the Ranji player himself out with a heavy heart without even bowling.

Meanwhile, near total bandh is underway in Seemandhra region following separate calls given by political parties against the state bifurcation. Security has been beefed up at many places as the protests marked the days against the passage of the state reorganisation bill in the Lok Sabha. Educational institutes, shops and business establishments remained closed while offices and banks have been shut down. The public transport has been the worst hit posing severe inconvenience to commuters.