Full Text: PMO says reports of 'misconduct' of Rajnath's son are 'plain lies'

The Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday rubbished media reports about “alleged misconduct” of Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s son Pankaj Singh, dubbing these as “plain lies, motivated and malicious attempt” to tarnish the image of the government.

Here is the full PMO statement:

“This has reference to reports appearing in a section of the media over the past several weeks, mentioning the Prime Minister, and referring to the conduct of some Union Ministers, and alleged misconduct of the Home Minister’s son.

The reports are plain lies, motivated and constitute a malicious attempt at character assassination and tarnishing the image of the Government. Those indulging in such rumour-mongering are damaging the interest of the nation.

These reports are strongly denied.”

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, considered No 2 in the Narendra Modi government, was reportedly upset with a certain ministerial colleague for spreading ‘malicious and false stories’ about his son Pankaj.

“If someone raises questions about my family’s integrity and honour, I’m not going to take it lying down. God will punish those who are playing this dirty game,” Singh reportedly told close aides in the party while leaving the issue to be dealt with by the top leadership of the party.

Speaking to media a short while ago, the Home Minister said, “The day the allegations against me and my family are proven to be correct, I will resign from politics.”