Pawar defends Bhujbal in stamp paper scam

The Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has defended embattled Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal who is in the eye of storm following allegations in connection with the multicrore stamp paper scam.

Pawar said people should desist from leveling baseless allegations against Bhujbal.

"It was Bhujbal who took the initiative to set up the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing into the racket," Pawar told a rally of Teli community at Sudumbare village. "But it is unfortunate that some people are leveling allegations against him (Bhujbal)."

Stating that nobody should be spared from inquiry if he is suspected of involvement in the scam, Pawar said, People, however, should not level false allegations."

Bhujbal, who was also present on the occasion, said he would give a fitting reply to those who are leveling 'false allegations' against him.