Bhubaneswar, Nov 18: Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said he would welcome any inquiry, including by the CBI, into the Orissa angle of the alleged Judeo bribery scandal. "We follow a transparent policy and strict rules in granting mining leases. If someone talks something baseless all I can say is I am ready for any type of inquiry at any time," Patnaik said.
The Chief Minister had yesterday expressed shock over his name being dragged into the issue involving alleged acceptance of bribe by former Union minister of state for environment and forest Dilip Singh Judeo in a mining deal.
"They should not have taken names of governments and the Chief Minister. It is baseless and absurd," he said.
Referring to the opposition demand for an inquiry into the matter, Patnaik said it was expected of them.
"But I don't feel morally weighed down. I always had a clean image and it will continue that way," he said.
On whether he thought there was a conspiracy to tarnish his image, the Chief Minister said "let's see what happens." Asked whether he was thinking of initiating any action in the matter, Patnaik said "we will see."
Meanwhile, Congress activists demonstrated outside the Raj Bhavan here demanding that the Orissa angle of the Judeo episode be inquired into.
The demonstration was attended by PCC president Sarat Patnaik and leader of the opposition, Ramakanta Mishra.
Bureau Report