Thursday, November 10 2005 11:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Finance Minister P Chidambaram yesterday (Nov 9, 2005) refused to be drawn into discussion over the reports that he fought for former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, who was relieved of his portfolio after the Volcker report on pay-offs in the UN oil-for-food scheme in Iraq.

"I will not speak off-the-cuff. I will have something to say in a day or two," he told reporters on the sidelines of a joint press conference with visiting United States Treasury Secretary John Snow.

In the frantic behind-the-scene activities that led to Natwar Singh's ouster from his ministry and made him a minister without portfolio, Chidambaram is reported to have played a crucial role in working out the face-saving formula.

The front-page report in a leading daily also said Chidambaram had persisted with his plea that Natwar Singh be retained in Cabinet till he is found guilty.