India News: Under scanner in the wake of the arrest of his nephew on bribery charges, Pawan Kumar Bansal on Friday resigned as Union Rail Minister.

He reportedly offered his resignation after meeting Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at his 7, Race Course Road residence.

Confirming the development Bansal said, "I have resigned."

The 64-year-old Bansal is believed to have been given the marching orders shortly after Congress President Sonia Gandhi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh amid growing unease in the party over the controversy surrounding the Railway Minister.