Sunday, March 13 2005 20:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Ruling out resignation by Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Vijay Gavit in the wake of a report submitted by the Sawant Commission probing corruption charges against four Ministers, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today (March 13, 2005) said, "There was not much allegations made against the former" in the report.

"There are no substantial allegations against Gavit and therefore, there is no need for his resignation," he told reporters at the tea party in Mumbai hosted on the eve of budget session, declining Opposition demand in this regard.

The contents of the report was communicated to the Ministers concerned after it was tabled before the cabinet, Deshmukh said adding, "Those who found the allegations were substantial against them, have already resigned".

Congratulating Suresh Jain and Nawab Malik for resigning, from the cabinet after reportedly being indicted by the Commission, Deshmukh said, "It was a good step".

Deshmukh said he had received the resignations of Jain and Malik, which had been sent to NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) chief Sharad Pawar, and would be forwarded to the Governor this evening.

Reiterating the Government's resolve to table the Sawant Commission report in the current session, he said, "It has been sent to the press and will be tabled the day it is printed may be in the first week of the session itself".

Energy Minister Dilip Walse Patil would look after the Higher and Technical Education department, while Excise Minister Ganesh Naik would look after Labour Ministry in the wake of resignation by Jain and Malik, he said.