Raipur: In his first action after assuming the post of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Raman Singh today (Dec 7, 2003) ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged attempt by his predecessor Ajit Jogi to prevent formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in the State by offering bribe to newly elected party MLAs to defect.

"The matter has already been registered with the anti-corruption bureau but since it is related to an outgoing Chief Minister and defection, it will be handed over to CBI," Singh told reporters in his maiden press conference after he was administered the oath of office by Governor K M Seth in Raipur.

"It has been decided to hand over the case to CBI," he said.

PTI