Indian PM rejects resignation

Mr Kumar earlier resigned as agriculture minister in 2001

Indian Railways Minister Nitish Kumar has had an offer of resignation rejected by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Mr Kumar's move followed differences that arose between him and Defence Minister George Fernandes at a national executive meeting of the Samata Party, of which both are members.

Mr Kumar said he was quitting purely for party political reasons.

He was said to be upset at internal party opposition and accusations of corruption levelled against him by a party MP.

Mr Kumar had called on Mr Fernandes, the re-elected party leader, to initiate a probe to clear him of the allegations.

Mr Fernandes turned down the request.

Mr Kumar said: "I will not return to the government till I come out clean. I always carry my resignation letter with me as I do not want to remain in politics by compromising self-respect."

Previously, he resigned as agriculture minister in 2001 over Samata party wrangling.

An official in the Prime Minister's Office told the BBC that the latest resignation had not been accepted.