Kiran Kumar Reddy opts out of 2014 elections

Former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy has opted out of the contest in the current elections to the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assembly.

Reddy resigned as chief minister in protest against the Centre's decision to bifurcate the state and floated Jai Samaikyandhra Party (JSP) after quitting Congress.

He has been expected to contest from the Piler Assembly segment in his native Chittoor district. However, on Saturday, the last day of filing nominations, he fielded his brother Kishore Kumar Reddy from the constituency.

Reddy reportedly decided against contesting in the current elections to demonstrate that he was not after power or position. He had always maintained that the welfare of the "Telugu" people was paramount to him rather than the chief minister's post.