Raj Babbar demands probe into Bachchan's TV campaign for SP

Lucknow, Jan 17 (UNI) Reiterating his party's demand that the Samajwadi Party should include mega star Amitabh Bachchan's TV campaign for the ruling party in the election expenditure, Janmorcha leader Raj Babbar today urged the Election Commission to order a probe into the matter.

Mr Babbar's assertion came a day after the Congress raked up the issue asking the EC to include the expenditure in the poll budget of Mulayam Singh Yadav led party.

''As per my information, Rs five crore is the weekly payment to different channels on which the campaign is being aired. Where has this money come from, should be the subject of the investigation,'' he told reporters here.

The TV campaign in which the Big B is seen highlighting the achievements of Uttar Pradesh government is aired on various news channels.

The Janmorcha leader also asked his Bollywood collegaue to specify if he was the brand ambassador of UP or of Samajwadi Party.

''I am happy that this issue, raised by Janmorcha, has been picked up by other political parties,'' he said.

Claiming that the Nithari issue was first raised by his party, the cine star-turned politician said it required a thorough investigation as there were more into it than meets the eye.

He aso demanded clarification from the UP police on a state minister allegedly trying to influence the police probe in Nithari kkllings.

''Who is this minister and what interest does he have in this regard,'' he asked.

Describing the role of police in Nithari probe as 'unfortunate', Mr Babbar said governments come and go but the uniformed force remains there and they should be impartial in all respect.

UNI