New Delhi: Sulking over refusal of Railway Ministry, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan tonight (May 23, 2004) said he had expected Railways and "it was almost done".

"It is not a question of stature. I had expected Railways and it was almost done," Paswan, who was given Chemicals and Fertilizer Ministry with additional charge of Steel, said.

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Observing that the portfolios given to him did not have direct dealing with the common man like Railway Ministry, he said he would still try to do his best to carry out his responsibilities.

Paswan said though he was tipped for Railway Ministry, for "some reason" he could not get the portfolio. But he never had any grudge as it was the Prime Minister's prerogative.

He said his workers were angry but he did not have any differences with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Laloo Prasad Yadav who has been given the Railway Ministry.

Paswan also said he had assured Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi that there would be "no tensions from my side".