Resignation accepted; Sriramulu is 'happy'

Speaker KG Bopaiah on Thursday accepted the resignation of former minister Sriramulu from his assembly membership, thus putting an end to the speculations of his possible return to the cabinet.

The delay in accepting the resignation, which was submitted on September 4, had invited wide condemnation from the opposition. People accused the speaker of playing dirty politics. The speaker had sought clarifications from Sriramulu several times on the reasons for his resignation.

Sriramulu, expressing his happiness over Bopaiah’s decision said, “I am a relieved man today. I am a man of self -pride and I cannot continue after the Lok Ayukta report on illegal mining cast aspersions on me. I am deeply hurt. I will never compromise with my pride.”

Denying reports of quitting BJP, Sriramulu said he would consider contesting the by-poll on a BJP ticket if he was chosen as the party’s candidate.