New Delhi:
Union Railway Minister Pawan Bansal's nephew, V Singla was yesterday arrested along with a Member of the Railway Board in connection with alleged bribery of Rs.90 lakh for fixing a top level position in the government. Sources say, Mr Bansal who met the Prime Minister this afternoon has offered to resign.
The opposition is also gunning for Mr Bansal, demanding his resignation.
Here are some of the reactions after the story broke.
Pawan Bansal, Union Railway Minister (in a press statement ) I have always observed highest standard of probity in public life and look forward to an expeditious investigation by CBI in the matter.
Derek O'Brien: Trinamool Congress leader: The prime minister is silent after all this. There has to be some responsibility, some accountability. Why only railways, what about the law minister, the coal minister? This government has lost every moral right to rule the country.
Sharad Yadav, JD(U) President: This is not a serious issue. The man giving and taking the bribe have both been arrested. What has Pawas Bansal got to do with this? I don't think Mr Bansal will indulge in something like this. I know him since several years. Let the CBI interrogate him.
Mohammed Salim, CPM leader: The UPA has become a store house of scams. Pawan Bansal should step down. The Prime Minister should intervene.
Dinesh Trivedi, Senior Trinamool leader, former railway minister: I know Pawan Bansal, he appears to be honest but it's about accountability and morality. Pawan Bansal should step aside till probe over, but the rot is deep within the system.