I am not a fool to believe a third force can offer ministership: Raja

In the midst of a controversy over a purported conversation between him and a lobbyist for reportedly securing a good ministerial berth, telecom minister A Raja today said he is not a fool to believe that a "third force" can offer ministership.

Raja, who flew in here for discussions with the DMK leadership, faced a volley of questions from reporters at the airport about the tapes aired by a television channel about a conversation he is believed to have had with corporate lobbyist Nira Radia.

In the conversation, the woman told the person at the other end that a decision on his securing a good ministerial portfolio has been taken.

"I didn't see the telecast...even as per the script, let us assume there is a script, nothing is surreptitious. I am not a fool to believe that a third force can offer a ministerial berth" other than DMK supremo M Karunanidhi, prime minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
        
Asked whether he was refuting that the voice on the tape was not his, Raja shot back, "Have you heard my conversation?"

"My conscience is clear," he said adding he was answerable only to Karunanidhi and the prime minister.

When asked whether a corporate lobby worked for him to get a cabinet berth, Raja shot back, "You go and ask that lobby. You go and ask her (Nia Radia). Do not ask senseless questions."
    
He said he had said whatever he wanted to say in Delhi.