On the scam: I have busted the fodder scam. In fact, it is a case of large-scale forgery. I have ordered my officers to move swiftly. This has been going on for many years, though I admit the withdrawals have become heavier during my tenure.
On a CBI investigation: Why should the CBI or an outside agency investigate? I have already identified the officers. Charge-sheets have been issued. Their properties have been attached. And what will the CBI do anyway? Look at the number of scams that have taken place. Bofors, Purulia etc. What has ever come out of it all? Investigation is okay where targets have not been identified.
On the allegation that he gave extensions to several of the accused officers: Of course, I have given extensions. But I give extensions all around. I have given extensions to several chief secretaries, director generals of police and all other kinds of senior officials. I don't keep a track of extensions.
Whether the opposition charge will stick in an election year: Anyone can say anything in an election year. But if slandering could win elections, these guys would have been where I am. I am not guilty. No one is going to get away, I can assure you that. And if the BJP is charging me, it was one of them, Dhruva Bhagat, who was heading the public accounts committee, which is a powerful and independent body of legislators. The media is around. It is your job to expose things when they go wrong.
On the chief minister's responsibility: Yes, I agree I am the head of the administration. But how is a chief minister supposed to know what is happening in every corner of the state? He can only see files. Does the Prime Minister know who is signing TA/DA vouchers in all corners of the country? He can only see files brought to him. What will you do if you are made the chief minister?
On L.K. Advani's demand at a public rally that Very the CBI look into the fodder scam: Very strange indeed. When he is chargesheet-ed by the CBI, he challenges it on the ground that the agency's intention is malafide. Yet, in my case, he insists that the CBI should be brought in and only they can uncover the truth.
On the charge that he has been close to the animal husbandry sector: Yes, that is a fact. But there is no question of my allowing or even encouraging such withdrawals. Nobody will allow his brother to forge documents and take out money.
