Naidu forces PM to accept resignations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effort to pacify the Telugu Desam (TD) failed with two TD ministers, P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Y.S. Chowdary, on Thursday resigning from the Central government, a day after TD supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu indicated that his party was considering quitting the BJP-led NDA government.

Accordingly, at about 6.30 pm both Mr Raju and Mr Chowdary went to the Prime Minister’s residence in private vehicles and submitted their resignations.

Speaking to the media afterwards, they said they had submitted their resignations on the directions of the party high command.

Mr Chowdary said that Mr Modi assured them that he will extend all support to AP. He said that they are continuing in the National Democratic Alliance and will continue their fight on AP issues till they get justice.

In his resignation, Mr Chowdary stated that, “with due respect to the prevailing public sentiment in my constituency as well as the circumstances that led to that situation (not offering special status) and in adherence to the decision taken by my party president, I am hereby tendering my resignation.”

Mr Raju merely wrote that “I hereby tender my resignation from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect.”

Mr Chowdary, who later addressed the media along with Mr Raju, also blamed the UPA for preparing the “most unscientific Bill (AP reorganisation Act, 2014)” and said everyone knows how the Bill was passed in both Houses of Parliament in the din.

To a query on whether the party was with the NDA, he said, “We will continue to be a part of the NDA but not take up any ministerial positions. I don’t think there is anything wrong in that.”