Andhra CM announces CBI probe into outer ring road project

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Tuesday announced a CBI probe as well as a judicial inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the change of alignment of the Hyderabad outer ring road project involving the names of his relatives and persons in the government.

The chief minister has termed the move as a test to prove the government's integrity before the people in the light of the accusations by the opposition parties.

The opposition Telugu Desam Party on Monday filed an affidavit, quoting documents and names of the chief minister and others accusing them of being involved in the alleged scam before the Andhra Pradesh High Court and sought an inquiry into the issue.

A popular vernacular daily also carried a story on similar lines accusing the chief minister as primarily responsible for changing the alignment to suit the interests of his relatives besides quoting the names of some government officials and political appointees.

While announcing the decision to go for the probe into the outer ring road project right from its inception stage, the chief minister said the opposition and the newspaper were hand in glove to discredit the Congress government and stall the prestigious projects.

"We have nothing to shield from the public glare," the chief minister said.

Opposition parties, including TDP, TRS and BJP have also demanded the resignation of the chief minister besides seeking a judicial probe.