It is a conspiracy: Tiwari on sex scam allegations

In spite of his inglorious exit from the Andhra Pradesh Raj Bhavan, in the wake of a sex scandal, veteran Congressman and former governor Narain Datt Tiwari appeared to be in a combative mood.

Tiwari, 86, who was allegedly filmed in a 'compromising position' with three women, returned to Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

Hundreds of Tiwari's supporters gathered at the Lucknow airport to welcome him with flowers and garlands and chanted 'Tiwari tum sangharsh karo ; hum tumhare saath hain' (Continue your struggle, we are with you).

Tiwari rode to his official bungalow, allotted to him as a former state chief minister, in his 'Z- Plus' guarded motorcade and accompanied by his supporters.

Flatly denying all the allegations, Tiwari told mediapersons during a brief interaction, "As far as my stepping down from office was concerned, let me tell you that I wanted to do so because of health reasons."

He asserted, "I have nothing whatsoever to do with the charges that have been leveled against me. These are all false and baseless. It is a frame-up and I can smell a conspiracy."

He added, "I will remain actively involved in public life and social work."

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'sought a high-level probe into the charges leveled against the veteran Congress leader.

Asked to comment on the issue, Nishank told reporters, "Considering that such wild allegations have been leveled against a person who has always been held in high esteem , it would be in the fitness of things to get these probed."

He added, "Only a high-level inquiry can determine whether the allegations are true or false. After all, transparency is important for people in public life."

Ranked among the veteran politicians of the country, Tiwari had held several important offices prior to assuming the office of AP governor. Besides being Uttar Pradesh chief minister four times, he has also served as Uttarakhand's chief minister. Earlier, he held key positions at the Centre including Union Minister for Industry, Finance, External Affairs and Planning.