Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 (UNI) Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy today demanded a CBI inquiry into the Merchiston land deal, involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and an estate owner. He also said the Chief Minister should file an affidavit in the High Court in this regard.

Addressing newesmen here after returning from the US, he said the High Court had asked the government to file a counter-affidavit on the PILs regarding a CBI investigation into the deal.

''Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who earlier told the Assembly that the government had certain ''limitations'' in ordering an inquiry as ISRO was involved in the deal, should despose before the court, the government's willingness for a Central investigation,'' he said.

Moreover, the Chief Minister had stated in the Assembly that the government would cooperate with any inquiry the Centre orders, Mr Chandy said. ''This would be an opportunity for Mr Achuthanandan to bring out the truth. The government should inform the Court that it was ready for a CBI inquiry if it does not fear any inquiry,'' he added.

About a vigilance inquiry into the land deals, the Opposition leader said it lacked transperancy as Vigilance Department was under the Home Minister.

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