No need for MP CM to quit: BJP

Bhopal, Nov 14 (UNI) Amid a flurry of opposition demands for the resignation of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on moral grounds in the wake of a special court ordering inquiry into ''purchase'' of dumpers by his wife Sadhana Singh, the BJP today said there was ''no need'' for him to quit.

In a hurriedly-convened press conference tonight, BJP state president Narendra Singh Tomar said, ''the court has ordered an inquiry, not pronounced a verdict. It is the party decision that the Chief Minister need not resign. There was no corruption anywhere therefore people need not speak of morality.'' The party's state General Secretary (Organisation) Makhan Singh was also present.

Earlier, Mr Chouhan, Mr Tomar and other BJP leaders had an extended closed-door meeting at the Chief Minister's residence.

When asked whether the chief minister would not put in his papers even if the Lokayukt Special Police Establishment registered a first information report, Mr Tomar retorted, ''that is an imaginary question and merits no reply.'' Fielding a volley of posers, the BJP leader accused the main opposition Congress of ''unsuccessful attempts'' to divert attention from development work being undertaken in the state.

''The issue has been raised earlier but in vain. In actuality, the Congress does not wish to pay heed to public problems. The state's electorate gave the BJP a majority (in 2003) and Mr Chouhan will remain in his post,'' Mr Tomar added.

UNI