Bhubaneshwar, Dec. 11 : Orissa's Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Manmohan Samal , has resigned following disclosures of his involvement in a sex scandal.

Samal tendered his resignation to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The Chief Minister has sent the resignation letter to State Governor M C Bhandare..

Samal however, defended himself, saying that it was a ''''conspiracy'''' to defame him and the party.

''''It is a well-planned conspiracy by the opposition to drag my name into the controversy to tarnish the image of the party and government,'' he said.

Samal's resignation came after the opposition led by the Congress called for his ouster from the State Cabinet.(ANI)