Indian Discussion Forum

Declaring that he had done "nothing improper or unethical", Shashi Tharoor today said he quit the union council of ministers to avoid embarrassment to the government in view of the ongoing IPL controversy and wanted charges against him to be "thoroughly investigated".

In a statement in the Lok Sabha, he said he was "deeply wounded by the fanciful and malicious charges" against him.

"My conscience is clear and I know that I have done nothing improper or unethical, let alone illegal," he said adding his resignation was "in the highest moral traditions of our democratic system."

He said, "I have led an unblemished life of personal integrity and probity and it is important to me that my name is cleared". His statement was heard in rapt attention by the entire House including the Opposition, which had earlier trained its guns on him.