Tuesday, December 6 2005 11:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Shiroor (Karnataka): Union Minister of State for Statistics, Programme Implementation and Sports, Oscar Fernandes yesterday(Dec 5,2005) dismissed the opposition's demand for Sonia Gandhi's resignation as Chairperson of the National Advisory Council over the Iraqi oil deal saying National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was responsible for the scandal as it took place during their regime.

"NDA was responsible for the scandal during which period it had taken place. A delegation led by NDA Government had been taken to Iraq then," he told reporters here.

He said Gandhi is a 'noble lady' who had shown her statesmanship by not accepting the Prime Minister's post. She is not after any post. There is no meaning in the opposition party's demand.

Fernandes, who is here to attend the inauguration of a private school building, said the Union Government and Justice Pathak Commission had sought full details of the scandal from United Nations. It was expected reach the commission within the next ten days.

He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had already stated that proper action would be taken on the basis of the report. Singh had also clarified that the Government would not interfere in the inquiry, he added.