Ramadoss, Velu resign from Manmohan Ministry

New Delhi, Mar 28 (ANI): The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) nominees in the Union Cabinet, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss and Minister of State for Railways R. Velu on Saturday resigned from their ministerial posts.

"We have submitted our resignation to the honourable Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh," Ramadoss told reporters here.

The PMK chief said that he has explained the circumstances to the Prime Minister.

"We explained to Prime Minister the problems we are facing with the DMK in Tamil Nadu. Dr. Singh assured us that he would send their resignation letters to the President Pratibha Patil with a heavy heart," Ramadoss added.

The move comes two days after the party surprised all and decided to switch-over to AIADMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu for the Lok Sabha polls.

Ramadoss on Thursday said he would quit the Union Cabinet in two days following decision by his party not to join the DMK-Congress-led front in Tamil Nadu for the Lok Sabha polls.

Meanwhile in Chennai, the AIADMK has finalised seat-sharing arrangements with its new ally PMK.

After meeting with PMK founder President S. Ramdoss, AIADMK General Secretary Jayalalitha said the PMK has been allotted seven Lok Sabha seats.

"The PMK is very much part of the AIADMK front. We have entered into an alliance and this is now an unbeatable winning combination. As to how successful the alliance will be, can be proved after the election results," she added. (ANI)