Union minister Ravi supports Baalu

Union minister Vayalar Ravi says Shipping Minister TR Baalu need not resign as the charges against him are made with some "ulterior motives".

Coming out in support of Shipping Minister TR Baalu, facing allegations of 'misuse' of office to seek favours from the Petroleum Ministry for companies being run by his relatives, Union minister Vayalar Ravi on Friday said the former need not resign as the charges against him were made with some "ulterior motives".

HT Image

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister told reporters that Petroleum Minister Murli Deora had already made a statement in Parliament on the allegations.

"Not even a cubic metre of gas was supplied to companies owned by Baalu's relatives," Ravi said.

Ravi, who had been recently appointed as the Congress High Command co-ordinator for TNCC, earlier called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at his residence.