Vyapam scam: Congress only interested in 'politics of death', says BJP

New Delhi: With the Congress seeking a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe into Vyapam scam, BJP Tuesday accused the Opposition party of practising "politics of death", insisting that only judiciary can take a final decision about any form of investigation.

Hailing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's announcement that he would urge the state high court to order a CBI probe, the BJP claimed that a thorough investigation will "expose and corner" the Congress.

"BJP was absolutely clear in its intention that we wanted probity of highest order, we wanted probe by highest body and this was articulated by none other than Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has also said so," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

Sources said BJP gave Chouhan a go ahead to write to the high court as its top brass believed that it will give it some ammunition to fight back after the party was at the receiving end of a host of controversies involving its senior leaders of late.

Over 45 people allegedly linked with the scam have met unnatural deaths, prompting a public outcry, a point conceded by Chouhan himself today as he said all doubts must be put to rest by a CBI probe.

Asked about the Congress demand for a CBI probe monitored by the Supreme Court, Patra said the investigation is being monitored by the high court and "judiciary will be the final authority" as far as any inquiry is concerned.

BJP secretary and its media cell in-charge Shrikant Sharma attacked Congress over its rejection of Chouhan's decision to request the high court to order a CBI probe, saying the Opposition party was not sincere but only interested in its "politics of death".

"Any thorough probe will expose and corner the Congress. All their claims are nothing but chest-beating in public to score political points," he said.

Congress has said that only a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe could ensure a "fair" investigation.

"Latest decision of Shivraj to write to High Court for CBI probe is another attempt to muzzle the truth. Congress rejects it in toto. For a fair probe and justice to victims, Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe is the answer," party's communication department chief Randeep Surjewala said.