A day after party MP Kavuri Sambasiva Rao challenged Congress leaders to quit if they were sincere in their commitment for a separate Telangana state, Endowment Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao on Thursday faxed his resignation letter to AICC President Sonia Gandhi.
Talking to media persons at the Assembly Media Point, the minister said that he had submitted his resignation extending moral support to the demand for Telangana statehood, and to mount pressure on the Centre seeking introduction of a separate state bill in the Parliament without delay.
Krishna Rao told media persons that he had explained to Sonia Gandhi about the situation in Telangana and how the people of the region are desperately waiting for the separate statehood announcement.
The minister added, "How can I continue in the minister's post when the students are committing suicides, the Telangana employees are not cooperating with the administration and the MLAs are boycotting the Assembly demanding a resolution on Telangana?"
"I had already promised the Osmania University Students Joint Action Committee that I would sacrifice anything for the cause of Telangana. I am ready to undertake an indefinite hunger fast for the cause of Telangana," Krishna Rao continued.
Reacting to the Eluru MP's comments, the minister asked Sambhasiva Rao to make remarks deeming suitable to his post. "The Telangana leaders are known for their sacrifices. All people are participating in the Telangana state agitation cutting across caste, parties and religious lines," he said.
Krishna Rao added, "Until Gandhi accepts my resignation, I will continue in my post and discharge my duties." He reiterated his appeal to Gandhi to hasten the process for Telangana state formation.
Earlier, the minister had submitted his resignation letter to the Chief Minister at his Chambers in Assembly premises.