He was reacting to reports in a section of the press about charges made by one Vijay Mehta that he (Mehta) paid a bribe of Rs 40 lakh to Gholap for depositing Rs six crore belonging to the Mahatma Phule, Vasantrao Naik and Annabhau Sathe Backward Class Corporations in the bankrupt Awami Bank.

Talking to reporters in his chamber, Gholap said the managing director of the corporation had full authority to deposit money in any bank. He also said that he did not know who Vijay Mehta was.

He said his personal assistant Anil Pagare who was arrested recently had confessed of his involvement in corrupt practices in the social welfare department. Gholap said he was not aware of such irregularities in his department till his PA's involvement came to light.

He also denied charges that food and clothing to Pagare who is inpolice custody is provided from his (Gholap's) house. He said he would discuss his future course of action with the chief minister. ``The chief secretary and the chief minister have already asked for a clarfication from me and I have explained my stand,'' he added.