HYDERABAD, OCT 13 : In a significant setback to the Congress’ prospect leading up to the Assembly election in Telangana, former minister and senior Congress leader Ponnala Lakshmaiah tendered his resignation from the party on Friday.

In a letter addressed to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lakshmaiah cited a sense of disillusionment within the party as the reason for his departure.

For several days, he had been vocal about the perceived injustices he faced while being a member of the party.

With extensive experience in politics, he also holds the distinction of being the first PCC president following the formation of the separate state of Telangana.(UNI)