Expressing shock over her name cropping up in the Vyapam Scam , Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on Monday claimed she was the first person to have suggested a CBI probe into the issue.

Speaking to India Today TV, Uma Bharti said she herself is scared by the number of deaths associated with the scam. "There is panic in Madhya Pradesh due to the deaths. I am scared for the lives of people connected to me. I am a minister but still I am scared. I will convey my fears to CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan," Uma Bharti said.

" I suspect a big conspiracy," she said but denied to elaborate her statement. When asked about an FIR naming her in the scam , the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said, "I was named in the FIR as per an accused's version. This is unfair. I am shocked that my name has been dragged into this."

Uma Bharti also backed Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh, who is under tremendous Opposition pressure to step down, saying the BJP leader has a clean image.

Earlier, Home Minister Rajnath Singh also came out in support of Shivraj Singh Chouhan and said the state government wants a fair probe into the scam which has seen mysterious deaths of over 45 people.

Talking to reporters in Jhabua's Macchlia, Rajnath said a special investigating team (SIT) formed by the high court is currently monitoring the Vyapam scam probe. Replying to a question as to why the matter is not being handed over to the CBI, the home minister said, "High Court has said no to CBI probe, as SIT probe is on and we can't direct the Supreme Court to order the CBI to pursue the issue. CBI probe will be ordered the minute high court or Supreme Court intervenes."

"The Opposition should not politicise the issue," Rajnath Singh said while commenting on demands for Shivraj Singh Chouhan's resignation.



