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'The government will not interfere with any investigation'

Pramod Mahajan, Prime Minister A B Vajpayee's political advisor, on the dismissal of Communication Minister Buta Singh today:

'In recent years, allegations of corruption have been levelled against several people in public life. Many of these are currently being investigated. Consistent with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's commitment to probity in public life, the government will not interfere with any investigation.

'After completion of investigations, if charges of corruption are framed by a court of law against any person holding public office, the prime minister is of the firm view that the person concerned should step down from the office until exonerated. This principle makes no distinction. Accordingly, he has dropped the Communication Minister, Buta Singh, from the Cabinet in view of the Supreme Court's ruling in the JMM case.

'The prime minister has received a letter from Selvi J Jayalalitha, general secretary of the AIADMK, which is a partner in the ruling BJP-led alliance. In this certain references have been made about two members of the cabinet. The prime minister has sought their comments.

'The prime minister had a cordial telephonic talk this morning with Selvi J Jayalalitha. He has conveyed that he values the AIADMK's continuing cooperation and support.'

UNI

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