TRS chief withdraws resignation

Rao, who chose to stay home ever since the results of the by-polls were declared on June 1, visited Telangana Bhavan, the party headquarters here, and announced his decision. "Many well-wishers from home and abroad, the intellectuals and journalists of Telangana requested me to continue to lead the movement. The executive committee of the party too passed a resolution urging me to withdraw the resignation. It's my duty to follow your order," he said.

Seeking to put up a brave face, he said the party did not fare too badly as was evident from its vote share. The TRS could win only seven out of the 16 Assembly and two out of the four Lok Sabha seats for which bypolls were held in what was widely seen as a referendum on the issue of a separate Telangana state.

The by-polls were necessitated by the resignation of TRS MPs and MLAs in protest against the UPA government's failure to carve out Telangana.

Rao alleged that rival parties sought to attract voters with inducements like unlimited money and liquor. In an emotional speech, he said his fight was "to liberate Telangana and to ensure that Telangana people live with self-respect".

Responding to criticism over his "politics of arrogance", he said he was ready to make corrections.

A brain-storming session could be held on how to take the party forward ahead of next year's general election, the TRS leader said.

Criticising the UPA government, he said his party would on June 6 organise shutdown across Telangana in protest against the fuel price hike.