Jodhpur, Nov 23: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today dismissed charges of corruption against his six cabinet colleagues that they were looting public sector undertakings and said they were free to approach court and file defamation cases against those levelling baseless allegations. Addressing an impressive election meeting at stadium ground here to canvasss for BJP candidates in assembly elections, Vajpayee attacked congress for levelling baseless allegations and said he had found out from Chief Vigilance Commissioner that there was no truth in the charges.

"Congress is asking for the names of ministers who were minting money from PSUs. I met CVC and cabinet secretary to enquire if the ministers were taking money from PSUs. Charges are not correct. This is to defame us," he said.


These ministers have right to approach court and file defamation cases, Vajpayee said and asserted charges against everybody will be investigated. Refering to resignation of Dilip Singh Judeo from Union council of ministers even before CBI investigation, he said Congress was now doubting independence and credibility of CBI which was probing against Chattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi too.

Emphasising that CBI was totally independent, Vajpayee took a dig at Congress saying those who have used it for 50 years are now questioning its credibility.

Bureau Report