BJP seeks thorough inquiry into Paul's allegations

Hyderabad, June 9 (UNI) Former BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu today sought a thorough inquiry into the evangelist and Global Peace Mission President K A Paul's allegations that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had demanded Rs 20 crore from him for the 2004 Assembly election campaign.

Talking to mediapersons here Mr Naidu said it was also important to probe Global Peace Mission's activities, the background of the evangelist and the way the organisation was receiving funds.

Stating that every party was receiving funds from private members and organisations, Mr Naidu, however, said the allegations levelled against the Chief Minister should be clarified.

Referring to the selection of candidate for the Presidential election, he said the BJP would not field a candidate from the party. The NDA would field a candidate with the consent of former prime minister A B Vajpayee.

''It would be better to evolve a consensus on the issue rather than fielding candidates from every party,'' Mr Naidu observed.

UNI