Hyderabad: Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy  has changed his decision to  resign in protest regarding division of the state. On the advice of AICC leaders close to him and some well-wishers, the Chief Minister has decided to stay till the last minute.

Earlier, the CM had decided to tender his resignation immediately after the high command announced its decision in favour of Telangana.

The CM had informed Seemandhra ministers and leaders who met him in the last three days about his resignation indirectly, stating that he would not be a party to the division of the state.

In fact, minister T.G. Venkatesh, who is close to the CM, had said on Sunday that if the  high command takes a decision in favour of Telangana, the CM would resign. Some  Seemandhra ministers also said the same during private conversations.

However, one AICC leader  close to the CM advised him not to take any hasty decision on resignation, saying that even if the high command announces a separate Telangana, it will take some time to implement the decision, perhaps around 290 days.

The Bill would have to be passed in Parliament. Some ministers from Seemandhra told the CM that they would oppose the bill in the Assembly.

Even though it may not be very effective  they would still  protest by opposing the bill they said.

Strategy of Seemandhra ministers

Seemandhra ministers and MLAs have changed their strategy. They  demanded  that the Central ministers from Seemandhra should  resign from their posts. They also demanded Seemandhra MPs to stall the Telangana bill in  Parliament.

Government whip in the council R. Padma Raju and MLA G. Veera Siva Reddy  while speaking to the media on Monday  said, Seemandhra MPs should take responsibility and bring pressure on the high command not to divide the state. He  also reiterated the demand of resignation of Central Ministers from Seemandhra and MPs.

Seemandhra leaders are of the opinion that the high command may not pay any heed to the resignations of  state ministers and MLAs and may impose  President’s rule, but if MPs resign the high command will be forced to act  immediately.

Union minister Kotla Surya Prakash Reddy from Kurnool district said that he would be the first to resign if the State is divided.

Seemandhra MPs Undavalli Arun Kumar and A. Venkatram Reddy and some Seemandhra ministers and MLAs met the Chief Minister on Monday at the Secretariat and discussed the latest developments on Telangana issue.