No possibility of AP CM Kiran Kumar Reddy quitting Congress, says Panabaka Lakshmi

GUNTUR (AP): Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Panabaka Lakshmi today dismissed speculation that Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy would quit Congress to float a new party against the decision to bifurcate the state.

"Kiran Kumar Reddy is an ardent Congressman and he comes from a family of devoted Congressmen. His father and grandfather were dedicated Congress leaders," Lakshmi told reporters here.

The minister was talking to media at the coastal town of Baptla in the district.

Rumours are making rounds that Reddy is likely to resign from Congress after the January 23, the deadline fixed by the President for return of the AP Reorganisation Bill by the AP legislative assembly.

The chief minister, who has been opposing the division of Andhra Pradesh ever since the decision was announced, had urged the Centre to reconsider its stance and also said he would not hanker for his post over the issue.

Kiran Kumar Reddy had earlier made it clear that he was ready to give up his post to keep the state united.