Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday renewed his attack on the Congress in the Supreme Court putting entire blame on the party for initiation of the proceedings against him and the members of his family in the disproportionate assets case.
“In explicitly the question is political. Political battle is being fought through the court. The petition is filed by a person who is the adopted ‘son’ of the Congress party. He was allotted party ticket to contest Assembly elections from Hydergarh,” Mr Yadav’s counsel Mukul Rohtagi said, while arguing on the review petition of Mr Yadav seeking re-look by the top court in its 2007 order referring the investigation to the CBI.
Mr Yadav, his son Akhilesh Yadav, who is a member of the Lok Sabha, daughter-in-law Dimple and foster son Pratik had moved petitions for review of the 2007 order of the apex court. Their review petitions are being heard by a bench of Justices Altamas Kabir and H.L. Dattu.
The top court had directed the CBI to look into the matter and register a preliminary enquiry (PE) and file the status report directly to the Union government, which would take a decision for further action. Vishwanath Chatturvedi had filed the PIL for CBI investigation against Yadavs.
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PRP wants Cong tieup, not merger
C.R. GOWRI SHANKER
HYDERABAD
Feb. 1: Most Praja Rajyam leaders favour an alliance with the Congress, as also accepting Cabinet berths and other sops, but are against any merger with the ruling party, following the invitation extended by the senior Congress leader, Mr. A.K. Antony, on Monday.
Praja Rajyam chief K. Chiranjeevi, who is away in Tirupati to participate in the government-sponsored Rachchabanda programme, will consult with party leaders on February 3-4 about the discussions he had with Mr Antony. The Congress leader also invited Mr Chiranjeevi to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Indications are that Mr Chiranjeevi will go with the alliance proposal and agree to join the cabinet if requested.
A party legislator, Mr Ghanta Srinivas Rao, scoffed at rumours of a merger with the Congress.
“The general perception in the party is that the PR should have its own identity despite problems facing the party. Many party leaders prefer to have an alliance with the Congress than a merger,” he said.