Anti-Telangana ministers meet, discuss CM's appeal

A group of ministers from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, who threatened to resign in protest against the division of the state, tonight discussed chief minister K Rosaiah's appeal not to quit office.

Three senior ministers from among the 20 ministers who threatened to quit yesterday over the move carve out a separate Telangana briefed today's meeting of their deliberations with the chief minister.

The three ministers — Dharmana Prasada Rao (Revenue), Gade Venkata Reddy (Endowments) and C Silpa Mohan Reddy (Housing) — met the chief minister at his residence this evening and informed him about the decision of 20 ministers to step down in deference to the wishes of their constituents.

Since only 13 of the 20 ministers were present in today's deliberations, it was decided that the entire group will meet tomorrow and later meet the chief minister.

Rosaiah is reported to have told the ministers, "I too will have to quit my post in the event of your resignation."

The ministers also discussed the situation in the respective regions where they belong.