Congress defends PM on Baalu issue

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Congress today sought to defend the Prime Minister's Office in the "Baalu episode," saying that it had not recommended or endorsed the content in the requests made by Shipping Minister T R Baalu seeking early release of gas to two companies associated with his family.

AICC Spokesman Abishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons that the PMO had forwarded the requests from Mr Baalu to the Petroleum Ministry as was the normal practice in that office with regard to any such requests received.

"Forwarding the letter of requests does not in any manner means agreement or disagreement in the merit of the case," he said while adding that it should not be considered as 'lobbying." There were reports that the PMO has forwarded eight letters written to it by Mr Baalu asking the PMO to direct the Petroleum Ministry to allot gas to the companies of his siblings.

Mr Baalu dodged several questions put by the mediapersons, saying that he did not want to say anything more than what he had already said.

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