BJP MLA Sharma demands CBI inquiry into allegations against Digvijaya

BHOPAL: The allegations by former cabinet minister Umang Singhar against senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh will resound again ahead of by-polls in Madhya Pradesh as BJP MLA from Huzur (Bhopal) seat, Rameshwar Sharma has demanded a CBI inquiry into illegal sand mining and other issues raised by Singhar during Congress rule.
Sharma in a letter to chief minister Chouhan said that Singhar being a responsible member holding constitutional post during Congress rule in the state had made serious allegations against Digvijaya Singh which are of public interest and investigation.
"The government should order an inquiry by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the charges made by former minister Singhar, who had alleged Digvijaya's involvement in illegal sand mining, illegal sale of liquor, transfer industry and blackmailing. These charges were serious but, the Congress government did not probe the matter," said Sharma.
He further stated, "Singhar had also reported the matter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi but, to no avail. Since public money was involved and the matter indicates huge corruption during Congress regime, a thorough investigation by a central agency would bring the truth in public."
Internal bickering in Congress had come to fore in September 2019 when Singhar hurled allegations against Digvijay Singh saying that the senior leader was running Kamal Nath government from `behind the curtains'. The tribal leader had openly attacked his senior on news channels and local vernaculars calling him (Digvijaya) a blackmailer and accusing of providing patronage to the liquor and mining mafia.
Singhar had also written a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi saying Digvijaya Singh was trying to destabilise the Kamal Nath-led state government while trying to establish himself as an alternate power centre. However, later truce between the two factions happened after Kamal Nath called Singhar for a meeting at his house.
While BJP is keep to rake up the issue ahead of by-polls on 24 seats in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress said that BJP is a ruling party and free to order any investigation.
"Rameshwar Sharma is upset because Digvijaya Singh is active in the constituency while, BJP MP Pragya Thakur is absent from the scene. But, the BJP government can order any probe into any case. The BJP is in power and can take its own decisions," said Congress state media coordinator, Narendra Saluja.