New Delhi, May 11: Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in his one-page resignation letter to Prime Minister Mamohan Singh on Friday has mentioned that he had offered to resign immediately after the arrest of his nephew in a bribery case last week, but was asked to stay.
The Prime Minister had then asked Bansal not to insist on his resignation, saying there was nothing "at that point" to merit his resignation.
In his resignation letter, Bansal reiterated that he had nothing to do with the action of his nephew, and that he had become a victim of media hype. The letter mentioned that he had offered to resign when he met the Prime Minister on May 4, a day after his nephew was arrested, but was asked to stay.
Meanwhile, soon after his resignation, Bansal, in an interview to Indian Express, said he had nothing to hide and was open to any probe. So far I have not received any notice for questioning from the CBI, Bansal said.
"I am very clear in my heart that I have not committed any wrong. I am sure my name will be cleared at the earliest. I have resigned and now my focus is to serve the people of Chandigarh to the best of my abilities", said Bansal.
Asked whether the bribe money was meant for him, Bansal remarked: "No, it was not and could not have been. I have already stated that I welcome the CBI inquiry and the truth will come out.
"In an appointment to the Railway Board, there is a process that is followed and that has been done in all cases during my tenure. Postings and promotions at high levels are processed by the Railway Board for onward submission through the railway Minister to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for final approval.
"No one, including my relatives, can influence such decision", Bansal said.
