Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today rubbished bribery allegations against him stemming from the row over the custodial death of his party worker in Jammu and Kashmir and defended his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also got the backing of Congress.
Both Farooq, who broke his silence since the controversy erupted after the mysterious death of a worker belonging to National Conference (NC), and Omar firmly rejected Opposition PDP demands for their resignations. Farooq even called the demand 'political stunt'.
Defending its coalition leader in J&K from the barrage of opposition attack, Congress said there is no point in making speculation in advance in the death of 61-year-old Syed Mohammad Yousuf allegedly in police custody last Friday after his meeting with Omar at the Chief Minister's residence.
"Omar Abdullah as a sitting Chief Minister gave a formal statement and a clarification though he was not obliged to. He has asked the Chief Justice to have a judicial inquiry (conducted)," Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said in New Delhi.
Besides, he said that if the detractors of the Chief Minister have any material evidence, 'let them give it to the judicial commission. There is absolutely nothing which can't be given there. So don't have speculation in advance'.
Farooq, who is also NC patron, said his party had nothing to hide and dismissed allegations of 'political payoffs' against him and said truth will emerge in the judicial inquiry.
"Farooq Abdullah has nothing to do with it. Whatever has to come will come in the judicial inquiry. We have nothing to hide. What else you want me to say.... The truth will come out," Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar after a meeting of party MLAs and Ministers here.
Asked about allegations levelled by NC worker Abdul Salam Reshi, he said, "Anyone can mention anybody's name. You cannot stop anyone. This is a democratic country, not an autocratic country." Reshi claimed he was present at the Chief Minister's residence when Omar met Yousuf.
He said PDP's demand for his and Omar's resignation pending the judicial inquiry was nothing but a political stunt. Omar, who is in Delhi, rejected the PDP demand that he step down since he may influence the probe.
"How is it possible? The judge who will be inquiring the case will not be answerable to my government. Where does the question of influence arise?, Omar told reporters.