Natwar unlikely to be asked to step down

Union Minister K Natwar Singh, who faces fresh opposition heat following allegations in Iraqi oil payoff scam, is unlikely to be asked to step down merely on the basis of the allegations.

Highly placed sources said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has decided to wait for the report of Justice R S Pathak Inquiry Authority on Volcker Committee findings.

The sources said Dr Singh is of the view that he cannot ask any ministerial colleague to step down on the basis of mere allegations or unverified references.

Asked about the charges levelled by India's Ambassador to Croatia, Aniel Mathrani that Natwar Singh was given oil vouchers by Saddam Hussein regime, the sources said the Inquiry Authority will probe this.