TDP quits NDA ministries over Andhra issue, but stays in alliance
New Delhi, Mar 8 (IBNS): In a new twist to the Andhra Pradesh issue, the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) has walked out of the NDA ministries over the demands of a special status to the southeastern state but stayed in the alliance for now.
TDP ministers Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Y.S. Chowdary resigned on Thursday following the orders of their party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
After submitting his resignation, Chowdary said: "We had no option but to resign. We adhere to the people's voice."
"We will continue to work hard, negotiate and try to fulfill the demands of the state" he added.
Interacting with media, Raju said: "Andhra Pradesh has turned out to be a residual state."
The move by the TDP turned out to be surprising as it came hours after Naidu's discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.
Naidu on Wednesday late night said his party TDP will pull out of the NDA, which runs the central government.
While Raju held the civil aviation ministry, Chowdary was the Minister of State in for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences in the BJP-led central government.
Following Naidu's statement of pulling out of the NDA a day back, two BJP ministers in the Chandrababu Naidu cabinet in Andhra Pradesh resigned on Thursday.
Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas and Endowments Minister P Manikyala Rao put in their papers after meeting the Chief Minister.
Image: Chandrababu Naidu Official Twitter Handle
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