New Delhi: Taking strong exception to the registration of fresh cases in Tehelka expose by CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), angry Opposition NDA (National Democratic Alliance) members today (Dec 7, 2004) walked out of Lok Sabha alleging the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government was indulging in "political vendetta" against its opponents.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) deputy leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra said the Government had resorted to "witch-hunting" and was "misusing" CBI.

On the one hand, the Government was refusing to permit the premier investigating agency to lodge cases against Congress leaders and on the other, it was pressurising the agency to go all out against Opposition leaders.

CBI had yesterday (Dec 6, 2004) filed cases against five persons, including former BJP President Bangaru Laxman and JD-U (Janata Dal-United) leader Jaya Jaitley, in the Tehelka case.

CBI had sought permission to prosecute senior Congress leader Satish Sharma in the petrol pump case but in this case it was refused permission to go ahead, Malhotra said.

The way the Government wound up the Phukan Commission, probing the Tehelka expose, and handed over the matter to CBI had created doubts in minds of the people, he said.

As soon as Malhotra alleged that the CBI had withdrawn cases against HRD (Human Resources Development) Minister Arjun Singh and Delhi and Uttaranchal Chief Ministers Sheila Dikshit and N D Tiwari, the HRD Minister quickly rose to say that the cases were not withdrawn by CBI but it was the court, which took the step.

"We have nothing to fear," Malhotra said, adding the Government should not interfere in CBI's functioning.