MP CM relents for seeking CBI proble in Vyapam scam

New Delhi: Faced with the strongest demand for his removal in nearly 10 years after taking over as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, a beleaguered Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday did a U-turn by agreeing to a CBI probe into the Vyapam scam.

A day after withstanding a political storm, Chouhan announced at a hurriedly convened press conference in Bhopal that his government would request the high court to order a CBI inquiry into the scam, which has escalated into a national controversy with the death of many people linked to it. 

However, before making the announcement, Chouhan said he has full faith in the ongoing



investigation by the Madhya Pradesh Police which is being monitored by the high court.

“Public perception is important in a democracy. Honouring the public sentiment, I will request the high court for a CBI probe,” said the three-time chief minister. BJP sources said Chouhan was nudged by the party central leadership on Monday night to agree for a CBI probe. 

The change in strategy–till Monday evening Home Minister Rajnath Singh and some party leaders were backing Chouhan–was to avoid further political damage given that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a batch of petitions related to the scam on Thursday.