Senior journalist Kondubhatla Ramachandra Murthy, popularly known as K R Murthy in media circles, on Thursday resigned as editorial director of Sakshi group of media promoted by YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Though no specific reasons have come out for his exit, officially it is only said Murthy had left Sakshi group with best of relations with the management.Apparently, his contract with Sakshi has come to an end and the management has chosen not to extend his contract with the media group.

In fact, there was a talk in December last year itself that Murthy would be shown the door, after the entry of a new chief executive officer Vinay Maheshwari who had earlier served as senior vice-president for brand marketing of Dainik Bhaskar group.

The management reportedly felt Murthy had lost control over the editorial staff, which was reflected in sharp fall in editorial standards in the media house.

However, keeping in view his seniority, Jagan reportedly asked Murthy to continue till his contract period comes to an end.Now that Murthy’s tenure ended, Sakshi management asked him to make a graceful exit and gave him all the benefits that he deserved in the company, sources said.

There is also a talk that Editor Vardhelli Murali would also be shown the door shortly once the management finds an alternative.