Mamata should agree to CBI probe in Saradha scam: Gadkari

Keeping open the possibility of a post-poll tie-up with the Trinamool Congress, senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari Saturday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should agree to a CBI probe into the Saradha chit fund scam to uphold her government's image.

"The other states (affected by the Saradha scam) have agreed to a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The Mamata Banerjee government should also agree to such a probe to protect the people's interest and uphold the regime's credibility and image," Gadkari told media persons at the state party office here.

Responding to a query on whether the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance would welcome the Trinamool into its fold, Gadkari said: "We are confident that the NDA will get an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha polls.We won't need the support of any regional party."

"But yes, we would like the NDA to expand. So if any party wants to join the NDA, we will welcome it."

However, the former Haratiya Janata Party president said in the Lok Sabha polls, the choice was only between the Congress led United Progressive Alliance and the BJP-led NDA and no regional party will be able to form the government.

Attacking the Congress, he said it was trying to instill fears into the minds of the minorities about a possible government led by BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.