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Minister without portfolio K Natwar Singh announced
his resignation from the Union Cabinet saying he did
not want to be an excuse for paralysis of Parliament.
Hours after meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi
in the capital, for the second time in less than 24
hours, Singh announced his resignation in a brief statement
to reporters outside his residence late in the night
amidst indications from BJP that Parliament can resume
normal business if he resigns by Wednesday morning.
Maintaining that he was "completely innocent"
and no charges have been framed or brought against him
following the Volcker Committee report, he said Parliament
and his party Congress were above individuals.
"I do not wish to be the excuse for the opposition
to stall the functioning of Parliament. Hence, I have
decided to resisgn from the Union cabinet despite the
fact that I have not violated any law in letter or spirit,"
Singh said but declined to answer a question whether
he has already sent his resignation.
He described as "most unfortunate" that Parliament
continued to be stalled and important legislative business
having a significant bearing on India's future and welfare
of the people was being held up.
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