No harm in meeting Natwar, says Arjun

New Delhi, Apr 30: Union Human Resource Minister Arjun Singh today sought to downplay his meeting with former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, embroiled in the Volcker controversy, saying he met the latter as a ''Congressperson''.

''Yes he did call on me, we had a cup of tea. He asked for a meeting as a Congressperson, and I agreed,'' he told a press conference here.

Mr Singh said no specific issues were discussed during the meeting yesterday.

When asked about the former External Affairs Minister's remark that even though the Congress was also named in the Volcker Report but only he and his son were being targeted, the Human Resource Development Minister said the party has already clarified its position over the issue.

''If anything that Mr Singh has done or said comes within the purview of the party discipline, then proper action will be taken,'' he said.

''As for the Congress, it has has not compromised on the issue,'' he said.

He also sought to set at rest ''wild stories'' accusing him of a conspiracy, saying, ''I do not believe in conspiracy. Only cowards do that. Political activities are a matter of faith and conviction.'' He said he was ready to answer any question on this issue.

UNI