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BJP allies seek CBI probe into petrol pump row

In what may be music to Opposition ears, MPs belonging to Janata Dal (United) and Samata Party -- allies of National Democratic Alliance -- demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the allotment of petrol pumps.

While Samata Party MP Prabhunath Singh went a step further by demanding resignation of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, JD(U) leader in Lok Sabha Devendra Prasad Yadav said the petrol pump issue had tarnished NDA's image. "The name of Vajpayee's relative allegedly figuring in one of the allotments is not only a matter of concern, but unfortunate," Yadav told reporters.

Singh, who is a member of Parliament's Standing Committee on petroleum, told Jain TV that cancellation of the petrol pump quota by the prime minister was actually an admission of guilt on behalf of the government. "As a result Vajpayee has lost the moral right to remain in the chair and he should resign," the channel quoted him as saying in a press release.

While both of them demanded a CBI probe into the petrol pump issue, Yadav sought the role of Petroleum Minister Ram Naik to be brought under its ambit and stringent action against all those found guilty.

Yadav claimed that some other NDA allies, including Samata Party, felt the same way and said that even NDA supporter Telegu Desam Party had sought an inquiry.

Stating that earlier too he had written to the Centre demanding a probe into the matter, the JD(U) leader said the cancellation of petrol pumps, gas agencies and kerosene oil depots had made it clear that there was some bungling.

He said it was not proper for BJP to say that there was no irregularity in the deals and asked if everything was fair then why were the allotments cancelled.

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