New Delhi, July 6 (IANS): Union minister Uma Bharti said on Monday she was scared by the number of deaths associated with the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh.

"There is panic in Madhya Pradesh due to the deaths. I am scared for the lives of people connected to me. I am a minister, but still I am scared. I will convey my fears to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan," Uma Bharti, the water resources minister, told an English news channel.

Uma also said she was the first person to have suggested a CBI probe into the scandal.

"I was named in the FIR as per an accused's version. This is unfair. I am shocked that my name has been dragged into this. I was the first to suggest a CBI probe," said Uma Bharti.

Uma Bharti was named as an accused since Leela Dhar Pachauri, an accused in the Vyapam scam, used to stay in the servants quarters of Uma Bharti at B-6, Shyamla Hills, Bhopal.

Uma Bharti also backed the chief minister who is under opposition attack to step down.

"I stand with Shivraj ji; I'm concerned about him as he's a very sensitive person. He must be very upset about these deaths," Uma Bharti said.