Resignation purely on personal grounds: Gurudas Kamat

MUMBAI: Former Union minister and ex-Congress Mumbai chief Gurudas Kamat, who announced his retirement from politics, today said his resignation is purely on personal grounds and that he isn't quitting social work.

"Retiring from politics does not mean retiring from social work. I will continue to be available for people minus the party tag for whatever help or issues to be taken up with different agencies from this weekend," Kamat said.

"I would also like to emphasise that I have the highest respect and regard for Congress President Sonia Gandhi and VP Rahul Gandhi and my resignation is purely on personal grounds," Kamat said in a statement.

The statement comes amid reports that he was quitting Congress after being sidelined by the party leadership, particularly by Rahul Gandhi.

The 61-year-old veteran made the announcement yesterday.

The move comes ahead of next year's Mumbai civic elections, where Congress would be seeking to dislodge the incumbent Shiv Sena-BJP combine.