Date:11/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/11/stories/2007091159911400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

A.P. Congress chief to quit

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Keshava Rao on Monday announced his decision to quit from his post to facilitate an “absolutely impartial” inquiry into the death of real estate dealer Prasanth Reddy for which his son has been arrested.

To avoid criticism

Dr. Rao who conveyed his intention to the Congress high command on Monday announced at a press conference that he had taken the decision to avoid scope for criticism that his continuance as PCC president would “cast an undue influence” on the investigating authorities.

The resignation of Dr. Rao comes barely six weeks before the completion of his three-year term towards the end of October. Earlier in the day, Dr. Rao informed Chief Minister’s political advisor K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao about his decision to quit.

The matter was then taken to the notice of AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh who reportedly said it was left to Dr. Rao to decide whether to continue in the post or quit.