CPI softens stand on vigilance probe into ISRO deal

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 22 (UNI) Back-tracking from its earlier stand that there was no need for any kind of inquiry into the controversial ISRO land deal, the CPI today said it would coperate with any probe if the demand was genuine.

Talking to mediapersons in the backdrop of CPI(M)'s suggestion for a judicial probe in to the issue, CPI State Secretary Veliyam Bharghavan said, though it could not go along with what others felt on the investigation, the party would cooperate if there was a need.

Mr Bharghavan said the Revenue and Forest Departments had already started departmental-level inquiries in to the issue and if any anomalies were found in the report, the party would think about an investigation by higher authorities.

Stating that the CPI had a clear stand and would take an appropriate decision on the issue, the veteran Communist leader said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would not act on baseless allegation levelled by the Congress-led Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF).

It was learnt that the CPI(M) State Secretariat meeting had favoured a judicial probe in to the issue and authorised the Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan to discuss the matter with CPI leaders.

UNI