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An eminent personality may probe Volcker allegations

     New Delhi: The Manmohan Singh Government is reportedly seriously toying with the idea of appointing an eminent political personality to look into the veracity of the UN Oil for Food scam report prepared by former U.S.Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. This development assumes significance in the light of both the Congress Party and External Affairs Minister K.Natwar Singh being cornered by the opposition, notably the BJP, over allegations that they were non-contractual beneficiaries of the Saddam Hussein-sponsored Iraqi deal. With the media not hesitating to name Congress president Sonia Gandhi as being part of the scandal, pressure is mounting for a quick decision on what sort of probe or inquiry will be asked for. India's Ambassador to the UN, Nirupam Sen, has reportedly spoken to Volcker under instructions of Natwar Singh.

    The Congress has attempted over the last couple of days to rubbish the claims of the opposition that it was any way involved in the Iraqi scam. But what seems to be causing concern in the party is Natwar Singh's statement during an interview to a private television channel that he was speaking on behalf of both the Congress and the government in dismissing the Volcker report. The controversy has now put another big question mark over the fate of the proposed cabinet reshuffle. On Saturday, both Natwar Singh and his son Jagat addressed rallies in the former's Bharatpur Constituency for a show of strength. "The Congress party is 120 years old. We are ready to face your questions, we are not under any kind of pressure, our slate is clean," said Natwar. Backed by the local Congress leadership and accompanied by Rajasthan Congress President BD Kalla, Natwar Singh also addressed a rally close to his hometown Bharatpur.

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