New Delhi, Dec 26 - The Congress Saturday refused to officially comment on the sex scandal involving Andhra Pradesh Governor N. D. Tiwari, but party leaders privately said that the octogenarian leader will have to go in case there is truth in the allegations.

"The matter is before the high court of Andhra Pradesh. The court has passed an order and the matter is sub judice. We should not comment on it," party spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said.

Congress leaders were more forthcoming in off-the-record conversation.

A senior leader said that Tiwari had a long innings in the Congress and people linked him to the party though he was now in a gubernatorial post. He said the governor would have to resign if perception of a wrongdoing persisted.

Another party leader said a decision on Tiwari would depend on the stand taken by him. "If he comes out with a categorical denial and offers to undergo any probe, the situation will be different. But if he meekly surrenders, he will have to go."

The high court had Friday restrained an Telugu television news channel from telecasting a news story showing visuals of an elderly person, purported to be N. D. Tiwari, in a compromising position with three women in the Raj Bhavan. However, the report was telecast once before the restraint order was received.

The governor's office has denied the allegations. (IANS)