Wednesday, December 7 2005 09:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Minister without portfolio K Natwar Singh yesterday (Dec 6,2005) night announced his resignation from the Union Cabinet saying he did not want to be an excuse for paralysis of Parliament after the opposition stalled both the Houses insisting on his immediate exit.

Hours after meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi here, for the second time in less than 24 hours, Singh announced his resignation in a brief statement to reporters outside his residence late in the night amidst indications from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that Parliament can resume normal business if he resigns by today (Dec 7,2005) morning.

Maintaining that he was 'completely innocent' and no charges have been framed or brought against him following the Volcker Committee report, he said Parliament and his party Congress were above individuals.

"I do not wish to be the excuse for the opposition to stall the functioning of Parliament. Hence, I have decided to resign from the Union cabinet despite the fact that I have not violated any law in letter or spirit," Singh said but declined to answer a question whether he has already sent his resignation.

He described as 'most unfortunate' that Parliament continued to be stalled and important legislative business having a significant bearing on India's future and welfare of the people was being held up.