New Delhi: Although on expected lines but surprising due to its timing, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah – under fire for being “weak” as CM - on Wednesday decided to resign from his position. Rosaiah had been facing opposition ever since he took over the mantle from strongman YS Rajashekhar Reddy - who was killed in a plane crash. Officially, Rosaiah said that he has resigned due to ill health.
The octogenarian Congress “loyalist” was seen as not being able to properly handle the open rebellion by Rajashekar’s son Jagan - Sakshi TV owned by him had openly denounced Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
He would be meeting the state Governor at around 4 pm today and will formally submit his resignation.
Speaking to reporters after he resigned, Rosaiah said that he has done his best and that there is no “specific” reason other than his ill health is behind his decision.
“I sought permission from the High Command to resign, I am grateful, especially to Sonia Gandhi, that my request has been accepted,” he said.
Rosaiah announcement came even as a team of senior Congress leaders comprising Pranab Mukherjee, Veerappa Moily, AK Antony and Ahmed Patel are on their way to Hyderabad to take stock of the situation and get the ground report on who could be an ideal replacement.
As per reports, Kiran Reddy, Geeta reddy and B Satyanarayana are the favourites to be the next Chief Minister of the state.
