Friday, December 24 2004 22:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Muzaffarpur: Senior JD-U (Janata Dal-United) leader George Fernandes today (Dec 24, 2004) rubbished the bribery charge levelled by 'Tehelka' against prime witness in the Best Bakery case, Zahira Sheikh for turning 'hostile' and alleged that the charge was 'concocted' at the behest of Congress.

"Tehelka's so-called expose on Zahira Sheikh taking bribe to turn hostile is baseless and concocted. At least I cannot trust it" Fernandes told reporters in Muzaffarpur.

The former Defence Minister also made a serious allegation against Tehelka which in a previous sting operation during the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) rule made sensational charges about some arms deals.

''Tehelka, which went to the extent of tarnishing the image of the Indian Armed forces by sending prostitutes to some of its senior officers to get them falsely implicated in arms deals which never came off, has once again resorted to subterfuge at the behest of the Congress. I don't trust them, '' Fernandes said.

Asked if the JD-U had closed its doors on talks with Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP for alliance in Bihar Assembly polls, Fernandes said, "No final decision (on poll tie-up) has been taken."

"We will let you know once an alliance is formalised," he added.

Fernandes said his party was prepared to join hands with "all those intent on checking the split of anti-RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) votes".