Amid reports he is likely to be dropped from the Cabinet, Textiles Minister Shankar rao said today he will continue to be loyal to the congress party high command irrespective of his continuance in the council of ministers.

Speaking to reporters at his chambers in the Secretariat this afternoon, he said he would welcome his removal from the cabinet. “If I am removed from the cabinet, I will become closer to the masses as an ordinary party worker,” said Shankar rao, adding he would continue his fight against corruption and misuse of power.

Asking the Centre to take an immediate decision on the issue of Telangana, he said dragging the issue any more would spoil the electoral prospects of the congress party. “The more it is delayed, it becomes more harmful to the fortunes of the congress party,” he observed.

Asking the Centre to announce a time bound programme on Telangana formation, the Minister said the prospects of the congress party would improve if a leader from the SC, ST or BC is appointed as CM of the state. (JUBS)