Tharoor Says He’s Asked PM to Order Probe into Allegations against him

Speaking for the first time in the Lok Sabha following resigning from union council of ministers, Shashi Tharoor has said that he has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to instruct a probe into the charges leveled against him regarding the Kochi IPL franchise, said media reports.

“I have done nothing improper, unethical and much less illegal …. I have requested the Prime Minister to investigate thoroughly the charges against me,” he was quoted as saying.

“It is important to me that my name is cleared, which has been besmirched,” Tharoor was quoted as saying, as he had lived a life of probity throughout his career abroad.

“I have no desire to be an embarrassment to the government,” he was quoted as saying.

The ousted minister also said that his resignation would reinforce prime minister’s hands to look into the relevant issues, said reports.

He said that the malicious and fanciful charges deeply wounded him, reports said.

“I am new to Indian politics, but I have a long record in public service and have an unblemished record,” he was quoted as saying.

Playing the Kerala card while presenting his defence, Tharoor said, “I have returned to India after a long international career. I am proud to represent Kerala.”

He, nevertheless, did not directly dismiss allegations leveled against him by IPL commissioner Lalit Modi.

Tharoor acknowledged that it was privilege to have served the government and the Congress party under the leadership of Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, said reports.

It may be mentioned that a minister can give a statement within seven days of his resignation after advance notice to the House.

Tharoor met finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is the leader of the House in Lok Sabha, on Monday to express his wish to speak.

(Based on the internet reports)