Former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu today welcomed the High Court direction to CBI to conduct a preliminary investigation into his properties saying he has nothing to hide or fear.

Speaking to media persons during his Rytu Poru Yatra in Vijayanagaram district, Mr Chandrababu said the allegations were proved false in the past and once again they would prove to be false. “I welcome the probe,” he said.

He however accused his political rivals of mudslinging on him by approaching the High Court and seeking CBI probe into his properties. “They went to the high court as they are unable to face me politically,” he said.

“I am confident of proving my innocence in the issue,” he said, adding that it was not proper for the high court to order probe into his assets without sending him notice. “I will speak to my lawyers in this connection,” he said.

He also denied the allegation that he owned a hotel in Singapore. “The allegations are false and they will prove wrong.”