Rubbishing reports that he resigned from the Union council of ministers for not being elevated to the Cabinet rank, former Minister of State, Gurudas Kamat, on Wednesday said he was “withdrawing” from active politics.
“I am voluntarily withdrawing from active politics and would not want to be in any position either in the Government or in the party organisation,” Mr. Kamat said here.
“I would want to remain just an active Congress worker,” said 57-year-old Mr. Kamat, a five-time MP from Mumbai.
Mr. Kamat was entrusted with the responsibility as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Drinking Water and Sanitation in yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr. Kamat denied that he was involved into any “backroom talks” with Congress leaders for any position.
Asking media to make a fair judgement, he said, “Neither have I been sacked or threatened with action and forced to resign.”
“I would like to emphasise that my request to relieve me was no pressure tactic and was a genuine request after giving considerable thought to my political future.”
Sources close to Mr. Kamat said that the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a letter has informed that his resignation was being forwarded to President, and lauded him as being a valued colleague in the ministry.
