Though the Congress has distanced itself from the controversial remarks made by UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi, it stood by her on Sunday in demanding a CBI inquiry into the torching of her house, saying state police could not be trusted in the matter.
Congress general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Digvijay Singh demanded a CBI probe into the torching of Joshi's house in Lucknow on the night of July 15.
"UP police were there when BSP workers were torching Rita's house. Therefore, I don't expect them to be fair. Till the time the state government doesn't recommend a CBI inquiry into the incident, Congress workers will demand it at every police station of the state," he told reporters in the Capital.
Joshi, who met Singh on Sunday, said she has emerged stronger after being jailed, but made it clear that her alleged derogatory remarks against UP chief minister were "not intentional".
Joshi will be meeting Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday.
Reacting to the CB-CID probe ordered by the state government, the Uttar Pradesh unit of Congress said it was a mere eyewash to give clean-chit to BSP workers and the party would continue to press its demand for a CBI probe to expose those involved in the arson.
"The inquiry by the CB-CID is an eyewash. How can a state agency, which works under pressure of the government justify the probe and nail workers of the ruling BSP?" Congress spokesman Akhilesh Pratap Singh said.
{{/usCountry}}"The inquiry by the CB-CID is an eyewash. How can a state agency, which works under pressure of the government justify the probe and nail workers of the ruling BSP?" Congress spokesman Akhilesh Pratap Singh said.
{{/usCountry}}