Chiranjeevi resigns from Andhra assembly for united Andhra Pradesh

Making a u-turn, Praja Rajyam chief Chiranjeevi today announced his decision to resign as MLA and support a united Andhra Pradesh, changing the party's earlier line of support to separate Telangana state.

"In deference to the wishes of the people, the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) will henceforth stand for a united Andhra Pradesh. "We shall bring the required pressure on powers that be to ensure that the stays united," he announced at a crowded press conference at the party headquarters here.

He said "After long discussions in the party we have decided for united Andhra Pradeshy because only a united AP can solve the problem of backwardness."

Chiranjeevi, who was elected from Tirupati in Rayalaseema area, signed his resignation letter before the media and said it would be immeidately sent to the speaker Kiran Kumar Reddy.

"I am taking moral responsibility for the change in our party's stand for a united state and putting in my papers," he said.

The actor-turned-politician, whose party has 18 MLAs including two from Telangana in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, said "we did not not expect so much euphoria and suport for a united AP. That is why finally we decided to go for united AP." He said the Congress should explain its unilateral decision on creation of Telangana.