CBI clarifies its stand on Mayawati's allegation

New Delhi, Jul 12 (UNI) The CBI today clarified that its July 10 counter affidavit in the disproportionate assets case against Uttarpradesh Chief Minsiter Mayawati, was in compliance with the specific direction given by the Supreme Court on May 15 this year.

Responding to the allegations made by Ms Mayawati, at a press conference, against its malafide affidavit in the Supreme Court, the CBI said the May 15 Supreme Court order was in response to Ms Mayawati's writ petition filed on May 9 this year, challenging the The CBI's October 10, 2003, FIR had been made in pursuance of the Supreme Court's order dated September 18, 2003, said the agency.

''The counter affidavit mentions only the position of disproportionate assets as existed on September 18, 2003, which had then been reflected in CBI's status reports before the Supreme Court.'' It is also clarified that the CBI had ''not circulated'' copies of the counter affidavit to the media, as was being alleged, added the CBI in its release.

The CBI's response comes in the wake of the BSP chief calling the central agency ''a stooge of the ruling party'' and working under the directions of the Congress and Samajwadi party.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Ms Mayawati had flayed the CBI by calling it a tool in the hands of the ruling party and said that the SP, in collusion with the Congress was part of a conspiracy to finish her off.

''There were behind the scene political games being played to finish me off and my party, as the Congress, SP and other parties see us as a threat to their dominance...,'' Ms Mayawati said.

UNI AN AM UCS1958