New Delhi, March 22: Citing an investigative magazine report alleging a Rs 1,800 crore bribery scandal involving former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, the Congress on Friday demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refer the case to newly appointed anti-graft body, Lokpal.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Caravan report, titled 'Yeddy diaries' has levelled scathing charges against the entire BJP top brass. If an independent probe is not conducted, Surjewala added, the charges would receive credence. Karnataka MLA 'Poaching' Row: BS Yeddyurappa Says CM Kumaraswamy Indulging in Horse-Trading

"If there is no truth in this diary, why isn’t PM Modi ready for an investigation? Now, even the Lokpal is appointed. Why can’t the first independent investigation be on this issue," Surjewala asked.

"There is an allegation of bribe of Rs 1,800 crore on the top BJP leadership...Prima facie, it is a fit case for the Lokpal to initiate a probe as it involves the leaders who have run the government over the last five years," he was reported as saying.

"The Congress party and its leaders are bankrupt of ideas, they are frustrated with growing popularity of the Modi ji, they have lost the battle before it began. I-T Department officials have already proved that the documents are forged and fake," the Congress spokesperson further said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

In the startling report published by Caravan, the media outlet relies on "documents from the Income Tax department", dating back to 2017, to claim that Yeddyurappa had transferred crores of money to several BJP leaders, apart from certain judges and advocates.

Reacting to the allegations, the former Karnataka CM said, "I-T department has already probed the issue and found all documents and signatures are forged. The issue is being raised by the Congress as they have realised their imminent defeat in the Lok Sabha elections 2019."

(With ANI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 22, 2019 06:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).