The Centre's approval for creation of Telangana set off intensified protests in Seemandhra region of Andhra Pradesh today even as a state minister resigned, bringing to the fore disquiet in the Congress.
The 13 districts in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of the state, already witnessing protests for over two months, descended into chaos with supporters of united Andhra Pradesh taking to streets against the Centre's move, blocking highways and railway tracks and forcing closure of shops, business establishments as well as educational institutions.
The 48-hour shutdown called by Andhra Pradesh Non- Gazetted Officers Association and other pro-united Andhra outfits to protest the Centre's decision saw sporadic incidents of violence, including attacks on Congress party offices, as normal life was thrown out of gear.
YSR Congress leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy has given a separate call for a 72-hour shutdown.
Amid the mounting protests, Andhra Pradesh Law Minister Erasu Pratap Reddy resigned from his post and relinquished primary membership of Congress.
Hours before a meeting of ministers, MPs and legislators of Seemandhra region called by Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to discuss the situation in the aftermath of the Centre's decision, Erasu called on Governor ESL Narasimhan this afternoon and put in his papers.
Erasu was among a dozen ministers who had submitted their resignations to the Chief Minister following July 30 decision of Congress Working Committee giving the go ahead for splitting the state. His resignation had not been accepted.
"The Congress' decision to bifurcate AP is against democracy. The Congress will be totally wiped out in Seemandhra," Erasu told reporters after meeting the Governor.
