Tiwari says sorry but insists he is innocent (Lead, Changing dateline)
December 28th, 2009 - 10:08 pm ICT by IANS
Dehradun, Dec 28 (IANS) Former Andhra Pradesh Governor N.D. Tiwari, who quit in disgrace after allegations of his involvement in a sex romp, Monday broke his silence by apologizing to the nation but insisting that he was innocent.
“It is baseless, fake… It is risky to even talk to a woman … Anyone can make an allegation. It is 100 percent wrong allegation,” Tiwari told reporters as he arrived in his home state after exiting quietly from the Andhra Pradesh capital.
Looking hassled, Tiwari sought to link what he said were allegations against him to the ongoing campaign for a separate Telangana state.
“The Telangana fight is going on … The president was to come there. People wanted to meet me… Some friends thought … I have been framed because of the Telangana issue,” he said.
“I apologise to the nation but I have done no wrong. I have been framed. It is a political conspiracy,” he added.
Tiwari, 85, one of the best known names in the Congress and a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, insisted that he was not “disturbed” by the sudden turbulence in his life.
“I am not disturbed. I have participated in the freedom movement and will fight it out,” he said.
On Friday, a Telugu television channel ran clips purportedly showing Tiwari caught on camera in a compromising position with three women. The clips ran for about an hour before the Andhra Pradesh High Court restrained the channel from airing the video.
The clips angered Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi besides embarrassing the Congress.
Once he realised the mood in the party, Tiwari sent his resignation to President Pratibha Patil Saturday citing health concerns.
A three-time chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Tiwari was appointed the Andhra Pradesh governor in August 2007.
Chief Minister K. Rosaiah met Tiwari before he left the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad, without the customary farewell usually given to an outgoing governor.
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- Chiranjivi wants early solution to Telangana tangle - Oct 10, 2011
- Telangana leaders condemn Tiwari's allegation - Dec 29, 2009
- Women's groups continue protests against Andhra governor - Dec 26, 2009
- N.D. Tiwari may quit over 'sex scandal' (Lead) - Dec 26, 2009
- Andhra Governor N.D. Tiwari quits over 'sex scandal' (Second Lead) - Dec 26, 2009
- Andhra minister complains against two 'tainted' colleagues - Sep 29, 2011
- N D Tiwari resigns as Andhra Governor - Dec 26, 2009
- N.D. Tiwari to undergo DNA test - Feb 10, 2011
- Paternity suit: N.D. Tiwari to give blood sample June 1 - May 10, 2011
- Court issues contempt notice to N.D. Tiwari - Jul 11, 2011
- 'Split UP' plan cost BSP: Opposers of Telangana 'state' - Mar 06, 2012
- Andhra minister quits over Telangana issue (Lead) - Mar 03, 2011
- Tiwari files personal affidavit in paternity suit - Jul 14, 2011
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