CBI probe is politically motivated: Virbhadra Singh

New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who was questioned by CBI in a disproportionate assets case for two days last week, hit out at the central government accusing it of unleashing political vendetta on Monday.

“A simple case which is pending with Income Tax has been made a tool to harass me by ordering probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate,” he said during an informal interaction with reports. When asked about the queries by CBI, he said, “CBI is not God, I replied to the questions asked by it. I have not done anything wrong and have always stood by the truth and strongly believe that it will prevail.”

Replying to another question, Singh said the properties of former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal are being probed and enquiries would continue. Referring to the issue where Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association led by BJP MP and BCCI boss Anurag Thakur is asking the state government for land to set up the National Cricket Academy, he said he was not against cricket but the irregularities allegedly committed by the HPCA cannot be ignored or condoned.

When asked about the Sports Bill pending assent of the governor, Singh said the Governor should return the Bill to the Vidhan Sabha as it was pending with him for a long time. He also appealed to the employees of state-run Himachal Road Transport Corporation to go not ahead with their strike and discuss their demands with the Transport minister. He, however, rejected the demand of the HRTC employees to convert the HRTC into Roadways.