Southern States - Karnataka   

BJP trying to deflect attention from Telgi, says KPCC chief

By Our Staff Correspondent

Bidar Nov. 29. The President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, B. Janardhana Poojary, has accused the BJP of "diluting and weakening" the case against the prime accused in the stamp paper racket, Abdul Karim Telgi, alias Karim Lala, by alleging the involvement of people such as the Congress President, Sonia Gandhi, and the Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, in the scam.

"By focussing on people who are not at all related to the scam, the BJP is trying to deflect the attention from Telgi. This is a serious charge and the State and Central BJP leaders owe an answer to the people," Mr. Poojary told presspersons here today. "The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Jagadish Shettar, should realise that his enthusiasm will only help Lala and not society."

Mr. Poojary also suspected the intentions of Jayant Tinaikar, who claims to have busted the scam, and expressed the apprehension that he too may be involved in the scam. "Mr. Tinaikar needs to answer some important questions. He claims to have spent Rs. 6 lakh on uncovering the scam. Why did he do so? Is it possible that he was a partner in Lala's illegal business and came out against Lala after falling out with him on differences over sharing the booty? Is Mr. Tinaikar's anger against Lala just patriotism or some kind of attempt to settle old scores? How did Mr. Tinaikar acquire such large amounts of money? Has he maintained an account of his wealth and paid income tax regularly? Is there any truth in the reports that Mr. Tinaikar did not have enough money to buy a bicycle just ten years ago?" Mr. Poojary asked.

"The BJP is making all this noise as Mr. Tinaikar is alleging the involvement of Congress leaders. What will they do if he says Lala paid money to BJP leaders such as the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani? Will they order an investigation against them?" Mr. Poojary asked.

According to him, the BJP was helping Lala by saying that the investigation into the case was still incomplete. The Karnataka police and the Stamp Paper Investigation Team (STAMPIT) had done excellent work. The State police arrested Lala long before other States took cognisance of the scam. STAMPIT had filed 10 chargesheets against Lala and successfully collected evidence against the accused.

They had also submitted transcripts of phone calls made by Lala to the Bombay High Court. "In such a situation, where is the need for a fresh probe?" Mr. Poojary asked. "Our stand has also been vindicated by the Bombay High Court which has said that investigations by the Maharashtra police should continue," he said.

He also accused the BJP of using the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a tool to finish off all its opponents. "It will continue to do the same if the stamp paper case is also handed over to the Central investigating agency," he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Court seeks report on Telgi's health
• Denies naming Ministers
• Racket in fake medical bills busted; eight arrested
• Sangha opposes meet in Bangalore
• Officials told to expedite project work
• Rebel candidate holds the key in Kodagu
• `Karnataka Darshan' will give a boost to tourism
• Handicrafts exhibition from tomorrow
• Janata Dal (S), Left parties to hold demonstration
• BJP trying to deflect attention from Telgi, says KPCC chief

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu