The Hindu : National : Baalu dismisses demand for his resignation

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Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008
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Baalu dismisses demand for his resignation

New Delhi: Under intense Opposition attack, Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu on Tuesday dismissed the demand for his resignation, terming his detractors as those opposed to the Sethu Samudram project and the OBC reservation.

“They are my well wishers. Since we are steadfast on the Sethu Samudram project and on the issue of OBC reservation, they are making such demands,” Mr. Baalu told PTI.

The Minister belonging to key UPA constituent, the DMK, refuted suggestions that the Congress was distancing itself from him in the wake of the controversy that has led to opposition dragging the PMO into the row.

“That is your imagination,” he said when asked to comment on the Congress spokesperson’s going the extra mile to cushion the PMO but distancing from Mr. Baalu’s actions.

Implying that he had committed no wrong, he said his “family members are among the 40,000 small investors” of the companies and he had “only apprised” Petroleum Minister Murli Deora.

Asked to comment on Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaswant Singh’s attack on him, Mr. Baalu said, “it is totally absurd...I am very sorry my friend has stooped to that level. He has misled Parliament so I am very sorry.” — PTI

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