Differences in UDF over govt decision to go back on CBI probe

Differences seem to have cropped up in the ruling Congress-led UDF in Kerala over government's move to go back on its decision of handing over to CBI the probe into alleged irregularities in the transfer of state-owned Data Centre here to Reliance Group.
Kerala Congress(M) nominee to the UDF and government Chief Whip P C George has come out against the move, saying it was aimed at helping a businessman, considered the "middleman" of the deal.
George alleged that a minister had leaked Cabinet decision to the controversial businessman.
When reporters sought to know whether the minister he was hinting at was Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, he said, "The question has the answer."

Radhakrishnan, however, rejected George's charge, saying he never bowed his head before any person.
The businessman also ruled out the allegations and said he shared a good rapport with the Home Minister and had never asked for a favour.

Sources said a section in Congress known as the (I) group, have also expressed displeasure over the government move.
Former KPCC Chief K Muralidharan MLA also came out against the move, stating that it was against the decision of the party. The Congress has asked for a CBI probe.
The centre associated with the State Data Centre for Development of Advanced Computing was handed over to Reliance Communications in 2009, when CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan was the Chief Minister.

A case connected with the CBI probe into the deal is pending in the Supreme Court.
The issue had ignited a row ever since the centre, maintaining sensitive data on the state was transferred to Reliance. It was termed a big security risk.
Meanwhile, sources said UDF allies planned to voice their concern over the recent developments in the coalition to Congress President Sonia Gandhi when she arrives here tomorrow on a two-day visit.
They said each of the allies has been given time to meet Sonia Gandhi.