Opposition smells conspiracy in sugar mills probe by CBI

The Uttar Pradesh government's decision to recommend a CBI probe into the purported irregularities in the sale of state-owned sugar mills during BSP supremo Mayawati's regime in 2010-11 has invited sharp criticism from the Opposition parties, which termed it as a ''conspiracy''.

The BJP government has stated that the state lost Rs 1,170 crore owing to the irregularities in the sale of 21 state-owned sugar mills. ''Initial investigation has revealed large-scale irregularities in the sale of the sugar mills...it requires thorough investigation by a competent agency,'' said a senior BJP leader.

Mayawati's former aide and expelled BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddique had also stated that the sugar mills had been sold under the direction of the BSP supremo.

Samajwadi Party and BSP leaders, however, said that it was another example of ''misuse'' of investigating agencies by the BJP government. ''It is nothing but a ploy to put pressure on the BSP...BJP is perturbed by our electoral alliance and hence is resorting to such tactics,'' Sunil Singh Sajan, SP leader, said here on Monday.