Mayawati denies link to multi-crore NRHM scam, accuses centre of misusing CBI

New Delhi: BSP supremo Mayawati on Tuesday targeted the BJP-led government over the CBI’s decision to question her on the multi-crore NRHM scam, claiming she had no connection with it and that the centre was misusing the agency ahead of Bihar elections for political gains. Questioning the timing of the CBI investigation against her, she said the move against her was an attempt to “demoralize” her party and divert attention from the “failure” of the government to fulfill its promises made to the people. [caption id=“attachment_2442044” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Image courtesy: CNN-IBN[/caption] “I have no connection to the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam. BJP, which is trying to use the CBI, should give up such tactics as such attempts have cost them dearly earlier,” she told reporters here. But at the same time she said the decision of the agency could be the handiwork of some “casteist officers” who look down upon Dalits. “It is possible that the high command of the BJP is not aware of the move of these officers…it has to be probed,” she said. The BSP supremo claimed that the decision to question her four years after the scam came to light only reeks of political vendetta. “During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, cases were lodged against me in Taj corridor case, and a case of disproportionate assets was also filed but I was given a clean chit by the High Court as well as the Supreme Court,” she said. “I do not succumb to pressure, I do not bend,” Mayawati said. Explaining her stand on the issue, Mayawati said the decision was taken by her cabinet and subsequent decisions on appointing two chief medical officers in every district were taken by the concerned minister Babulal Kushwaha. “I warn BJP to give up such deeds. Congress had also tried such tricks to divert attention from its failures of governance,” she said. Indicating a possible understanding between BJP and SP, she said the Uttar Pradesh government’s “failures” especially on the law and order front are being deliberately ignored by the Centre for political gains. PTI