Friday, December 23 2005 18:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Panaji: Congress MP from South Goa, Churchill Alemao, who was caught on camera in a sting operation into MPLAD project allocation scheme, today (Dec 23, 2005) alleged that his partymen in the state, who feared that he may get inducted into the Union cabinet, were behind the operation.

"My own party men from Goa are involved in this operation but I have nothing to worry as I am getting full support from the Central leadership," Alemao, the former Chief Minister of the state, told reporters in south Goa.

Alemao said the fears that he could be inducted as a Minister in the Union cabinet during next cabinet expansion, prompted his party men in Goa to plan the operation.

"Wait and watch, I will prove as to who all are involved in this operation to defame me," said Alemao, adding that he has full faith in the Central leadership.

"I am accountable to the Central leadership only and they know that I am innocent," Alemao said.

Refusing to name any state party leader, Alemao said he would not lodge a complaint with the Central leadership but wait for the right time to act against the local leaders.

He further said he has a tape to prove that the brains behind operation were 'agents' working on behalf of the news channel to make money.

Alemao also alleged that two persons, who had come to his house during the operation, tried to blackmail him asking for Rs 2 lakh.

"When they realized that they cannot bribe me, they tried to blackmail me for Rs 2 lakh through two of my friends stating that they have the video recordings of me asking for money," Alemao added.