Senior Congress leader Ponnala Laxmaiah resigns from Congress, likely to join Bharat Rashtra Samithi

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to discontinue my association with the party. I have reached a point where I feel that I can no longer thrive in such an unjust environment. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported me in my various party roles over the years," said Laxmaiah in his resignation letter.

As per the sources, Lakshmaiah is now likely to join the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), although, in a press conference held by him today, he said that he has not made any such decision as of now.

Lakshmaiah had served in the Congress party for around four decades in different posts and he was also the first Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President of Telangana state.

Lakshmaiah, in his letter to Kharge, said that political developments within the party like removing him from the position of PCC President in 2015 and getting the unfair blame for the party's defeat in Telangana in 2014 even though the party had faced nationwide setback during that time has deeply affected him.

He further in his letter mentioned favouritism within the party towards the newcomers while the members who have been long associated with the party are not being given due respect and recognition.

"It is deeply unfortunate that senior leaders like me have had to wait for months to discuss party concerns, and I have personally experienced the frustration of waiting for ten days in Delhi to meet AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal," said Lakshmaiah in his resignation letter.

"When a group of 50 Backward Class (BC) leaders from Telangana went to Delhi to request prioritization for BCs, they were denied even a meeting with AICC leaders. This is an embarrassment for the Telangana state which prides itself on self-respect," he added.

He further praised the ruling BRS party for giving recognition to even the smaller BC leaders and granting them MP, MLC and corporation positions. (ANI)