'No action against Khurshid simply on basis of allegation'

Noting that the UP Government is conducting an inquiry into allegations against Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust run by Khurshid and his wife, the Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office said action will be taken on the basis of its report.

Louis Khurshid, the CEO of the Trust, has already requested the government of Uttar Pradesh to order an inquiry into the allegations.

"She herself has volunteered. The UP govt has ordered the inquiry. Now the inquiry is going on. Before inquiry is concluded, jumping to any conclusion is totally incorrect. That is why we need to wait for the inquiry report on the basis of which any action will be taken.

"But simply because allegation has come, an action cannot be taken against the minister (Khurshid). It is totally unwarranted," Narayanasamy said on the sidelines of a conference here.

Khurshid is under attack from civil society activist turned politician Arvind Kejriwal following TV sting operation which alleged that the Trust had misappropriated funds meant for providing equipment to the disabled.

"The inquiry is on. I cannot say," Narayanasamy said when asked to comment further on the allegations.

The Minister declined to comments on alleged irregularities in a land deal between Robert Vadra and realty major DLF, saying it is "personal" matter.

He was speaking after inaugurating a three-day biennial international conference of Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) here today.

The theme of the conference, which is being held in India for the first time and attended by over 350 delegates from the Commonwealth countries, is a 'Public Service Fit for Future'.

During his inaugural address, Narayanasamy highlighted various initiatives including implementation of Right to Information Act and introduction of Lokpal and Benami Transactions Bills as few steps being taken by the Government to improve governance and transparency.