Rajagopal resigns from Lok Sabha, says quitting politics

“Formation of separate Telangana is not in the interest of Telugu-speaking people and the nation as a whole,” he said.

He said he would work for the unity of Telugu-speaking people. “I have formed an NGO Rajagopal Foundation. I will now work for the unity of Telugu-speaking people,” Rajagopal said.

Asked whether he regrets the pepper spray attack in the House, which had attracted widespread condemnation, he said, “I did everything for the unity of Andhra Pradesh”.

His resignation comes at a time when the Committee of Privileges of Lok Sabha, which has got punitive powers, has been asked by the Speaker to go into the incident termed Meira Kumar as a “blot” on democracy.

Unprecedented pandemonium had broken out in the House when Rajagopal, who is opposed to the division of Andhra Pradesh, brought a canister from which he sprayed pepper.

All political parties have demanded action against him. Government has already said it would not oppose whatever decision the Speaker takes in this regard.