Parakala Prabhakar puts in his papers

Communications advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh Parakala Prabhakar on Tuesday submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Parakala Prabhakar (File Photo|Express Photo service)
Parakala Prabhakar (File Photo|Express Photo service)

VIJAYAWADA:  Communications advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh Parakala Prabhakar on Tuesday submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, citing comments by opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy against him and the TDP supremo as the reason for his decision to quit.

Parakala had on Monday night told the Chief Minister about his decision, but the latter flatly rejected the idea. There, however, is no word yet on whether the resignation has been accepted.
TDP leader and Agriculture Minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy told mediapersons he did not think Parakala needed to quit. “There is absolutely no need for Jagan Mohan Reddy’s comments to be taken seriously. It doesn’t call for such a drastic decision,” he opined, pointing out that Parakala was not a TDP leader, but a part of the government.

Emerging from the state Cabinet meeting, Information & Public Relations Minister Kalava Srinivasulu too said it was his personal opinion that Parakala need not step down. Both leaders told TNIE that the topic did not feature in the Cabinet meeting.

Jagan, during a public meeting on Monday, questioned how could Naidu continue Parakala (the husband of Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitaraman) as his advisor despite severing ties with the BJP-led government at the Centre, insinuating that the Chief Minister was still in touch with saffron party leaders.

Other opposition parties too have levelled similar allegations against the Telugu Desam Party after it exited the NDA camp.

Reacting to the jibes, Parakala wrote, “Opposition leaders are trying to create doubts among the people on the dharma poratam being waged against the BJP and the Centre under your leadership... My well-wishers advised me against taking the allegations seriously, but [I can’t continue after] leader of the opposition YS Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned your sincerity. This has pained me.”

“That they are attributing political motives to my personal relationships and accusing you of using the same for some clandestine talks show the level to which they can stoop,” he said and added that he was deeply hurt by allegations that he would compromise on the State’s interests as his wife was a prominent leader of the saffron party.

He asserted that he did not want “the prestige of the government to suffer” because of him. “You have said that I should not bother about comments made by some for their selfish political interests. It shows your large-heartedness, but after considering everything, I am of the view that my name or my family members’ names should not be used by anyone to throw muck on you or the government. Hence, I am forced to go against your advice. I request that my resignation be accepted,” he wrote. Parakala has expressed desire to meet the Chief Minister soon.

Meanwhile, YSRC senior leader Kolusu Parthasarathy said Parakala’s resignation would make little difference. “What we are asking for is for him to disclose Naidu’s corruption,” he said. 

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