Monday, August 22 2005 11:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Amidst growing controversy over his 'closeness' with Bihar Governor Buta Singh, Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad yesterday (August 21, 2005) defended Buta's continuance in the state saying he was performing well and that he was his 'nominee.'

"He was my nominee and I selected him. I take full credit for that," Lalu said in an interview to Aaaj Tak.

Asked if Singh should be removed, Prasad told the programme 'Seedhi Baat,' "why should he be removed. He is doing fine (job)."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has given several petitions to President A P J Abdul Kalam alleging that the Governor was carrying out transfers of IAS and IPS officers in the state on the direction of Prasad.

Recently a letter from Singh to Prasad, asking for posting of a Railway officer, had become an embarrassment for the Congress Government.