New Delhi, Nov 16: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said that the Centre would decide on any action to be taken in the multi-crore stamp paper scam in Maharashtra after talks with the state government. "If we have to do something, it will be on the basis of talks with the Maharashtra government," Advani said here after a 30-minute meeting with state Governor Mohammed Fazal.

He said that Fazal did refer to the scam during the meeting but more important was "what the state government says on the issue."

"I have not asked for any report on the scam from the Governor," Advani said adding he kept submitting reports from time to time.

The Governor also discussed the possible Central assistance to tackle drought in 10 districts of the state, Advani said.
Now both the issues will be directly taken up with the Chief Minister or home minister of the state, he said.

Advani said that he had not demanded a CBI enquiry into the scam. "CBI is already looking into the matter on the request of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and Gujarat. Its chief is on record stating if other states ask the investigating agency, it will take up their request as well."

The Deputy Prime Minister said Fazal had primarily paid a visit to bless his son and daughter-in-law as he was unable to attend their recent wedding.
Bureau Report