Monday, December 5 2005 16:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Making it evident that it wanted Natwar Singh to quit, the Congress today (Dec 5, 2005) said his continuance in the party's Steering Committee was 'untenable' and his removal from the powerful body was a 'clear message' which he should understand.

"Description of his stay in the Steering Committee by the highest body of the party, headed by Sonia Gandhi, as untenable is a clear message (to Natwar). There can be no clearer message," senior party leader and Union Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters here.

The Minister said if Natwar Singh was taking time to 'understand' the message, it was a different matter.

Describing Natwar Singh as a very mature, experienced and very toughtful politican, Sibal said, "He (Natwar) will understand the circumstances under which the decision was taken and I am sure that he will then, in the light of that decision, take appropriate steps which he considers best in the interest of the party."

"It is for Natwar Singhji to decide in the light of what has happened in the recent past," he said referring to controversy triggered by the Volcker Committee and subsequent comments by former Indian envoy to Croatia Aneil Matherani about Singh's alleged involvement.

Sibal, however, said the party's message did not mean that Natwar was guilty or innocent which will be established by the inquiry ordered by the Government.

"Congress General Secretary Ambika Soni said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh endorsed the Steering Committee's decision. It was for the Prime Minister to decide on whether Natwar Singh should continue in his Cabinet," she added.