Protests continue over Telangana, two more ministers quit

Two more Andhra Pradesh ministers today resigned from the Cabinet to protest the proposed bifurcation of the state, even as turmoil over a separate Telangana continued in the Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions.
Health Minister Kondru Murali Mohan and Forest Minister Satrucharla Vijayarama Raju resigned from Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy led government, taking the number of ministers who quit in support of a united Andhra Pradesh to 11.
Mohan and Raju met Reddy at his camp office this afternoon and handed over their resignation letters.
Congress MLAs and leaders from the two regions opposed to creation of Telangana state have also planned a protest in Delhi tomorrow.

The APNGOs (Government employees), opposed to the division, have also threatened to go ahead with their strike from this midnight.
Meanwhile, protests continued for the 13th day today in Seemandhra region against the move to carve out Telangana.

"Agitations are on. However, the situation is under control in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra districts," Additional Director General (Law and Order) VSK Kaumudi told PTI.
Protesting Congress and UPA's decision on bifurcation, supporters of united Andhra Pradesh including students and members of various organisations took to streets across Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra.
They took out massive rallies, formed human chains and held demonstrations on roads.

At the state secretariat here, employees of Seemandhra region took out a rally blindfolded and tried to gherao ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Raghuveera Reddy and Pithani Satyanarayana demanding their resignations.
Holding placards that read 'Jai Samaikyandhra', the agitators raised slogans in support of united Andhra Pradesh and took out bike rallies in Anantapur, Chittoor, Srikakulam and other districts.
"The protests are continuing peacefully," DIG (Anantapur Range) B Balkrishna said.