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I did no favours to Lalit Modi, give a single proof : Sushma Swaraj in Lok Sabha
New Delhi, Aug 6 (IBNS) Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday told Parliament that she extended no favours to former cricket boss Lalit Modi, challenging the opposition to present a single proof in support of their allegation.
"Present one note, letter or email that shows I asked the UK government to present Lalit Modi with travel papers," she said.
Her statement came amid a fortnight-long unrelenting agitation by the opposition demanding her resignation. The situation has created a deadlock in both houses of Parliament since the beginning of its monsoon session on July 21.
Last year, Lalit Modi, who left the country in 2010 amid allegations of a series of corruption cases, was allowed to accompany his wife to Portugal for her medical treatment.
Her statement came amid a fortnight-long unrelenting agitation by the opposition demanding her resignation. The situation has created a deadlock in both houses of Parliament since the beginning of its monsoon session on July 21.
Last year, Lalit Modi, who left the country in 2010 amid allegations of a series of corruption cases, was allowed to accompany his wife to Portugal for her medical treatment.
A Mumbai court has recently issued a non-bailable warrant against him in connection with the charge of money laundering.
Swaraj had earlier said that her intervention with UK officials to permit that trip was extended on "humanitarian grounds."
She clarified in the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the assurance she offered to the UK government was that if it chose to give him travel documents, relations with India would not be affected.
"I urged them to follow their own rules and regulations... "I did not seek to influence their decisions".
The minister also said Lalit Modi's wife faces no criminal case, and should not have been deprived of the support of her husband on a trip to a Portugal hospital for cancer treatment.
The Congress-led opposition has also been demanding resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for for helping Lalit Modi in his dealing with UK immigration officials and that of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the Vyapam scam.
But taking a tough stand against the opposition pressure, the government said resignations are out of the question, but the PM will speak on the controversies in Parliament as soon as a debate begins. The Congress has rejected that offer.
As disorder continued to rule the roost stalling normal business, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan suspended 25 of 44 Lok Sabha MPs of the Congress for five days for bad behaviour and blocking the proceedings.
The Congress, that describes the Speaker's action as "the murder of democracy", has launched another agitation in protest.
Swaraj had earlier said that her intervention with UK officials to permit that trip was extended on "humanitarian grounds."
She clarified in the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the assurance she offered to the UK government was that if it chose to give him travel documents, relations with India would not be affected.
"I urged them to follow their own rules and regulations... "I did not seek to influence their decisions".
The minister also said Lalit Modi's wife faces no criminal case, and should not have been deprived of the support of her husband on a trip to a Portugal hospital for cancer treatment.
The Congress-led opposition has also been demanding resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for for helping Lalit Modi in his dealing with UK immigration officials and that of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the Vyapam scam.
But taking a tough stand against the opposition pressure, the government said resignations are out of the question, but the PM will speak on the controversies in Parliament as soon as a debate begins. The Congress has rejected that offer.
As disorder continued to rule the roost stalling normal business, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan suspended 25 of 44 Lok Sabha MPs of the Congress for five days for bad behaviour and blocking the proceedings.
The Congress, that describes the Speaker's action as "the murder of democracy", has launched another agitation in protest.
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