Hyderabad:
In a bid to mount pressure on the Centre for formation of a separate state of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Jupally Krishna Rao today sent his resignation letter to Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
"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 Gandhi ji, explaining the prevailing situation in Telangana and the strong demand being made by the people for a separate state. I am giving a copy to the Chief Minister (N Kiran Kumar Reddy)," he told reporters.
Rao said it was his individual decision to resign as per his conscience as he could not remain a mute spectator when all sections of society in Telangana were agitating over the separate statehood demand.
"The government employees have started a non-cooperation agitation, so many youths have committed suicide and every section is agitated," he said.
Rao, who hails from Mahabubnagar district, said he will continue to attend to his duties as a minister until the resignation is accepted.
He, however, added that he will take "further steps" if no concrete action is taken towards the formation of a separate Telangana during the Budget session of Parliament.
The development comes against the backdrop of increasing pressure on Congress leaders to quit their posts in support of the demand for a separate Telangana state.