Hyderabad, Feb 21 (IANS): Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has accepted the resignation of Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy.

The governor requested Kiran Kumar Reddy and his colleagues in the council of ministers to continue in office till alternative arrangements are made, the Raj Bhavan said in a press communique Friday.

The resignation was accepted with effect from Feb 19, when Kiran Reddy met the governor and handed over his resignation to protest state's division.

The chief minister, who also announced his resignation from the Congress party, requested the governor to make alternate arrangements as early as possible as he would not like to continue as caretaker chief minister.

The governor is believed to have sent his report to the centre. The Congress has so far not named anybody as Kiran Reddy's successor, triggering speculations that the centre may impose President's rule.

Congress which was busy with the passing of Telangana bill in Rajya Sabha for last two days, Friday began focusing on the southern state. The core group met in Delhi Friday morning to discuss the latest developments.

A meeting of Congress Working Committee is scheduled Friday evening to take stock of the situation in Andhra Pradesh. It is expected to take a decision whether to name a new chief minister or go for President's rule.

Rajya Sabha Thursday night passed the bill for formation of a separate Telangana state.