AMN
Opposition continue to target Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj over her assistance to Lalit Modi for getting travel documents from British government. Congress said people who preach zero tolerance towards corruption should also practice it. Speaking to media, party spokesperson P L Punia dismissed Mrs Swaraj’s claims that she had helped Lalit Modi on humanitarian grounds as he was required to sign documents in connection with surgery of his ailing wife. He said as per Portuguese law, it is not required to obtain signature of husband to undertake any surgical operation.
In the interest of transparency, Government of India should release the letters written to the UK Chancellor on the Lalit Modi case: tweet P. Chidambaram @PChidambaram_IN
Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge asked whether the External Affairs Minister had consulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while taking decision to help out the man who is a fugitive. He said Congress will take up the issue in the coming sessions of Parliament.
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said charges raised against Mrs Swaraj are serious and asked why Prime Minister who talks about accountability and corruption free governance is silent on the issue.
Aam Aadmi Party today demanded the resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over the Lalit Modi travel documents issue. Brieifing media, party spokesperson Kumar Vishwas said Mrs Swaraj should come out with her explanation. He said such a big decision of helping Lalit Modi could not have been taken without the knowledge of the Prime Minister’s Office. Mr Vishwas said if there is involvement of other persons in the issue, it should also be brought to public notice.
However, BJP and the government have thrown their weight behind Mrs Swaraj, saying she acted in the matter purely on humanitarian considerations. Meanwhile, party leader Kirti Azad blamed some insiders in the party for working against her and leaking the news to the media.