New Delhi: Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh on Saturday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Natwar, who was accused by his close aide and India's Ambassador to Croatia Aniel Matherani of receiving oil allotment from Saddam's regime for his "personal services", drove to the Prime Minister's official residence for a meeting that lasted about 40 minutes.
The meeting was expected to be a decisive one as Natwar was expected to submit his resignation. Official sources however, clarified that he did not do so.
PM assured Natwar no action would be taken on the basis of mere allegations or charges and that he would await the report of the Justice Pathak Inquiry Authority, which was set up to probe the issue.
Earlier, putting up a brave front, Natwar Singh told reporters on the margins of a function here that he would "face" the "struggle".
At a time when the Opposition as well as the party members are holding their guns against Natwar, the meeting with the PM might be his only chance to stay in the Cabinet. This is because the PM holds the right to strip Natwar of his portfolio.
Meanwhile, the Opposition is dissatisfied with the PM's stand and blames him of sparing the rod.
"The Prime Minister's statement is totally disappointing. It is a shameful attempt to save Congress leaders. Despite the revelations by Indian Ambassador to Croatia, Manmohan Singh has sought to give a very routine response," BJP Parliamentary Party spokesman V K Malhotra told reporters.
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