Chidambaram offered to resign over 2G: sources

In a new twist in the 2G controversy, sources have told CNN-IBN that Home Minister P Chidambaram had offered to resign when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called him. Sources say this prompted the prime minister to wholeheartedly back his home minister.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he has full faith in Chidambaram during both his stints as finance and now home minister. He also made it clear that there was no rift between his senior most ministers and that the government was in no mood to give in to pressure from the Opposition.

"I don't know what note you people are talking about, in any case the matter is before the court, it is not proper for me to comment on a matter that is subjudice. But as far as Mr Chidambaram is concerned, as finance minister he continued to enjoy my full confidence, as home minister he continues to enjoy my full confidence," said Manmohan Singh.

"I don't want to conclude that there is fight among ministers," he added.

Earlier, a letter written from the finance ministry to the PMO had said that Chidambaram could have stopped the 2G scam.

Backing Chidambaram, Union Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily on Friday said," Cannot ask Chidambaram to resign. This would make us a banana republic."