He146;s gone

Claiming that 8216;8216;I am completely innocent,8217;8217; Natwar said, 8216;8216;No charges have either been framed or brought against me8230;Parliament and my party, Congress, are individuals. I do not wish to be the excuse for the opposition to stall the functioning of Parliament8230;I have decided to resign from the Union Cabinet, despite the fact that I have not violated any law in letter or in spirit.8217;8217;

Sources in the Congress said the draft of this statement was cleared by Sonia when Natwar called on her during the day. Seeking to tread carefully, he refused to take questions from reporters, not even responding when asked if he had sent his resignation to the PMO. Late tonight, his resignation had reached the PM8217;s residence.

But Natwar8217;s travails are far from over. With the Dayal probe and the Pathak Inquiry working in the wings, he is likely to be called upon, questioned over the Volcker panel8217;s findings against him and his son Jagat Singh8217;s friend Andaleeb Sehgal.