Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan resigns; M Veerappa Moily given additional charge of environment ministry

Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan today resigned apparently for being drafted into party work ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The resignation of 59-year-old Natarajan, minister of state with independent charge of forest and environment, has been accepted by the President, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said.

It also said that Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily will hold additional charge of the Environment Ministry.

Natarajan, a senior member of Rajya Sabha for the third term, hails from Tamil Nadu and was brought in the ministry two years ago.

Sources said she would be drafted in party for work relating to manifesto and other matters.

Sources said there could be some more ministers who could resign to be brought to party organisation in preparation for the election.