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India's Defence Minister resigns

India's defence minister has resigned in an attempt to stem a widening political crisis surrounding the government.

South Asia correspondent Jonathan Harley reports.

George Fernandes resigned a defence minister two days after an internet news site released secretly filmed footage of senior Indian bureaucrats, politicians and defence ministry officials apparently accepting bribes...two journalists were posing as armed dealers. Shortly after India's ruling coaliation lost the support of a key ally from West Bengal, Mr Fernandes announced his resignation on national television. (fernandes) All that I want to say is that the accusations made against me are completely false(ends) George Fernandes is the biggest casualty in India's unflding bribes for arms deal scandal. Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, will be hoping that by cutting loose his defence minister it wil ease at least some of the crisis surrounding his government.

16/03/01 12:47:19 | ABC Radio Australia News

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