Cong asks Mulayam to cooperate with CBI probe

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) Describing the Supreme Court's order for an inquiry into the disproportionate assets of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav as a ''serious matter'', the Congress today called upon him to cooperate fully with the CBI in its probe.

''If there is slightest morality left in him (Mr Yadav), he and his state government should fully cooperate with the CBI investigations furnishing all the documents and papers,'' Congress Spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said.

''The apex court order against Mr Yadav is a serious matter as it relates to the assets possessed by him before and after becoming the Chief Minister and the manner in which he distributed his assets among his family members to save himself from any inquiry,'' he told mediapersons here.

Judged by any standards it was a serious allegation over which the Chief Minster should have resigned. But, with his lust for power, he had not done so, Mr Singhvi alleged.

The Spokesman said several times in the past five years, a situation had arisen when the State Government should have resigned on political, constitutional and legal touchstone. But he did not quit.

''Therefore it is futile to make a futile demand (of his resignation),'' he added.

''Since there is something very fishy and it has to be inquired into, and since Mr Mulayam Singh and his supporters were not likely to resign, we hope they will fully cooperate with the CBI in its probe and place all the relevant documents and papers,'' Mr Singhvi said.

The Supreme Court's direction against the Chief Minister was important, he said adding the court had passed a reasoned order after hearing the petitioner, who had made out a strong case against him, and after carefully looking into the facts.

About whether the Congress would again demand President's Rule in Uttar Pradesh, Mr Singhvi said central rule was not the remedy for every ailment.

UNI