Chandrababu mulls appeal against order on CBI probe

On his return to the state capital from north coastal Andhra, Naidu held consultations with his senior colleagues and close aides to chalk out his  future course of action on the court order. The leader of the opposition asked his party leaders to consider the idea of challenging the order in the Supreme Court.

According to TDP sources, Naidu would take a final decision only after  consulting legal experts. He is reported to be considering filing an appeal in the high court or challenging it in the Supreme Court.

The high court Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to conduct preliminary inquiry into Naidu's alleged illegal assets and submit reports in three months.

The court order came on the petition of YSR Congress party leader Y.S. Vijayalakshmi, widow of late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. She alleged that Naidu amassed illegal assets by misuse of power during his nine-year rule (1995-2004).

Reacting to the court order, Naidu said the same day that the probe  should not have been ordered without issuing him a notice. He said the order was against the principles of natural justice.

Informed sources said there was no unanimity on whether Naidu should go for an  appeal against the court order.  A section of leaders felt that this  may politically prove counter productive in view of the stand taken by the party on CBI probe ordered by the high court into assets of YSR Congress party leader Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, son of late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

Some leaders advised Naidu to instead face the probe. They were confident he would get a clean chit as happened in the past when the YSR government instituted several inquiries against him.