Tiwari asks Congress high command to relieve him of post

Dehradun, Mar 4 (UNI) Uttaranchal Chief Minister N D Tiwari today said he has asked the Congress high command to relieve him of his post and expected a decision from the party president within a month.

Mr Tiwari clarified that he has not submitted his resignation yet and only asked the high command to relieve him from office and was awaiting the party's decision.

Speaking at a public function here, the Chief Minister said it was decided by him beforehand to declare his decision at the programme.

Later talking to the media, the Chief Minister, citing his age as the reason behind withdrawing himself from active politics, said he has requested the High Command to relieve him of his post.

He said it was in the hands of the high command whether or not to accept his resignation but considering his age, there was no reason why the party should not relieve him.

Eluding the question on his successor, he said it was the high command's discretion.

Announcing his decision not to contest election and refrain from active politics, Mr Tiwari said he would remain in ''creative'' politics.

He denied that his proposal would, in any way, affect Congress' prospects in the forthcoming Assembly election.

UNI LPT MSJ RK1809