Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said on Tuesday the Home Ministry had approved opening a probe against PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Home Minister R R Patil, however,denied it stating that even a discreet inquiry had not been submitted to him. The state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought Home department permission for an open inquiry against NCP leader Bhujbal,who has been accused by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya of committing irregularities in award of contracts to renovate Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi. Somaiya alleged firms owned by Bhujbal associates committed fraud to get the contracts. Chavan,who is the final authority to sanction probes against ministers,said he had not received the Bhujbal file but the Home Ministry had decided to open a probe. On the sidelines of a party function,he said: I have not received the file and not taken a decision. I believe the decision has been taken at the Home Ministry level. He contradicted Patil,who had earlier in the day said: Even a discreet inquiry into the complaint has not been completed. How can such a decision about an open inquiry be taken? I have not received any such file,nor have I granted approval for open inquiry. The Home Minister said he had received a copy of the complaint against Bhujbal and would need explanation from PWD regarding the contract given to K S Chamankar before any inquiry. Bhujbal,meanwhile,welcomed the probe and said it would bring out the truth.
