Vardhan met Saradha accused?

Union science and technology minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan, who was on a day- long visit to Assam, has landed into a major controversy with local media questioning his meeting with an accused of the multi- crore rupees Saradha scam.

The local newspapers and news channel claimed that the Union minister had a closed door meeting with an accused of Saradha scam being investigated by CBI now, in a resort at the Kaziranga National Park on Sunday.

Mr Vadhan’s closed- door dinner with the Saradha scam accused has also created embarrassment for the state Bharatiya Janata Party which has been raking up this issue and demanding action against all those raided by the CBI.

However, Assam BJP leaders refused to make any comment on Mr Vardhan’s meeting, they pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised the party leaders to set a high standard in the public life.

Earlier, Mr Vardhan, who visited the North East Institute of Science and Technology ( NEIST), told reporters that his government is ready to provide all necessary help to expedite scientific research in the effects of climate change on the biodiversity of the Northeast.

During his visit to NEIST laboratories, Mr Vardhan showed keen interest in drugs developed by NEIST to fight arthritis and fungus. He stressed development of anti- lung cancer drugs, for which the institute has initiated research.

He told reporters that the nationwide network of laboratories under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR) would need to give solutions to improve the standards of living for the local communities.