'Action on Natwar nothing to do with Prez polls'

Jaipur, June 30: The Congress today clarified that its move for action against former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh under the Anti Defection Act was nothing to do with the Presidential polls as the action was initiated much before the election process.

In a virtual reply to representation made by BJP Spokesperson Sushma Swaraj before the Election Commission in favour of Mr Singh, AICC spokesman Mohan Prakash said here that his party had not initiated the move now in the wake of the presidential election but its action against Mr Singh started since the time the BJP had disrupted proceedings of Rajya Sabha demanding his resignation in the Iraqi food for oil controversy. Mr Singh was consequently removed from the union cabinet and later, also suspended from the party.

Moreover, prior to UP assembly election, the party had submitted a written representation before Rajya Sabha Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat for action against Mr Singh for his anti party actions, Mr Prakash told reporters.

Mr Prakash said that these were those facts which were on on record with the Rajya Sabha presiding officer and the party would submit its clarification before the Election Commission, if the EC so demanded.

UNI