Ashok Gajapathi Formally Quits TD to Become Goa Governor
Ashok Gajapathi reflected on his political journey since 1978, when he assumed the role of Simhachalam Temple hereditary chairman after the passing of his father and brother.
Visakhapatnam: Senior TD leader from Vizianagaram Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has announced his resignation from the Telugu Desam Party, as is mandatory following his appointment as the Governor of Goa.
“The decision is painful. But I have to abide by the Constitution,” he underlined during his visit to the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam on Friday. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders for the honour. He reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to upholding the pride of Telugu people.
Accompanied by his family, the senior TD leader arrived at the temple, where devasthanam authorities welcomed with a Poornakumbha ceremony, conducted by temple executive officer Trinath Rao, chief priest Srinivasacharya and Vedic scholars.
Amid the sounds of Nadaswaram and Vedic chants, Ashok Gajapathi Raju embraced the Kappa Stambham, visited the Beda Mandapa, and received Mangala Harathi in the inner sanctum.
The Goa Governor appointee signed documents resigning from Telugu Desam at the temple’s flagpole. He then sent the same to TD state president Palla Srinivasa Rao.
Ashok Gajapathi reflected on his political journey since 1978, when he assumed the role of Simhachalam Temple hereditary chairman after the passing of his father and brother.
The memory led to his tears welling. He compared the respect shown to him at the Simhachalam Temple to that once extended to dignitaries like late Indian presidents Shankar Dayal Sharma and Giani Zail Singh.
