New Delhi: Five recognised national federations of Indian Railways on July 15 requested Railway Minister Nitish Kumar to withdraw his resignation in the larger interests of Railways as also the nation and threatened to hold dharna before his residence if he did not do so.

"We are very much disappointed following the resignation of Kumar, a dynamic Railway Minister, who has initiated several steps to improve the functioning of the Railways. Since his resignation was a setback to the ongoing developmental projects, we all appeal to him to withdraw his resignation," leaders of five Federations said in a joint statement.

General secretary of the AIRPFA, U S Jha, while demanding withdrawal of the resignation of Kumar, said all the Railwaymen belonging to five federations would stage dharnas and demonstration before the Railway Minister's residence if he did not consider their demands.

The federations were also of the view that the Indian Railways cannot afford to lose Kumar at this point of time and appealed him to lead the Railways at this juncture.

Asked about the federations' appeal, Kumar refused to make any comment.

PTI