Amarinder denies fleeing the country out of fear

Chandigarh, Mar 19 (UNI) Dismissing rumours that he had ''fled'' the country out of ''fear'' of the present SAD-BJP government, former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh claimed that he had gone abroad for a medical check up and would return soon.

''If, however, you need me sooner, I can opt out of the check at any time and return immediately'' Capt Singh said in an open letter to his successor Parkash Singh Badal.

The letter which was delivered at the office of the Chief Minister was circulated among mediapersons by Congress MLA Jeet Mohinder Singh outside the Vidhan Sabha here today.

Referring to rumours of action being initiated by the present state government against members of the Congress, the letter said ''any action taken by anyone in my government, be they ministers, other functionaries or officers of the administration or the police were taken when I was Chief Minister and I own full responsibility for them'' .

''All decision were taken by the cabinet which I chaired, and those decisions that did not require cabinet approval, were approved by me as Chief Minister. Therefore, harassing my former colleagues or officers when I have taken the responsibility is uncalled for and I hope you will give instructions to stop such actions,'' Capt Singh said in the letter.

''As to questioning me, I am available to you at any time or place of your choosing and will be present as and when you require me. If you want to dramatize the vent by raiding my residence to catch me, please tell me when, so that I could be present when your raiding party arrives,'' the letter.

UNI