MANGALORE, NOV 28: Defence Minister, George Fernandes on Sunday dismissed reports that he was responsible for denial of ministerial berth to JD(U) leader and former commerce minister, Ramakrishna Hegde. Talking to reporters here, Fernandes said inclusion of ministers into the Union Cabinet was the prerogative of Prime Minister A B Vajpayee. When queried about Hegde's remark that he was contemplating to retire from active politics on completion of his RS term, Fernandes said, ``Ask Hegde himself, he is the best person to answer this question.'' Fernandes said Hegde had not discussed with him the retirement issue.Fernandes said the Defence Forces were maintaining a constant vigil on the borders following military taking over power in Pakistan. On the ongoing Almatti dam row between Karnataka and AP, he said both the states should resolve the issue amicably.
