Shivraj Singh Chouhan should step down until probe into Vyapam over: Sitaram Yechury

NEW DELHI: Labelling the Vyapam episode as the "most dangerous cocktail of corruption and crime", CPI(M) today said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should step down until a probe into the "sordid" scam is over.

The CPI(M) also reiterated its demand of a thorough CBI enquiry under supervision of the Supreme Court into the scam, considering the large number of deaths of people allegedly linked to the matter.

"We hear now that the Chief Minister (is) saying that they are not opposing any CBI enquiry. We are now saying whether they oppose or not oppose, there should be (a) thorough CBI enquiry supervised by SC into the sordid affair.

"The Chief Minister should demit office till the enquiry is completed," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

Earlier in the day, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Chouhan said he would request the high court to order a CBI probe into the Vyapam case following a public outcry.

CPI(M) MP Mohammed Salim seconded Yechury and asked Chouhan to instead write to the Centre directly seeking CBI investigation. "I don't think the HC will have any objection to that (SC-monitored CBI probe)," Salim said.

Referring to other controversies, involving BJP leaders, like the Lalit Modi row, fake degree case, and two Maharashtra ministers awarding contracts allegedly without inviting tenders, Yechury said those involved in it too should step down until enquiries into respective matter are over.

Yechury further reiterated the Left parties will stage a nationwide protest against corruption that is "surfacing by the day under BJP regime" on July 20, a day ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

"Normally, within first year, corruptions and scams do not arise in any government. (But) this government is setting that record also," he quipped.