Amid sloganeering by the Congress-led Opposition in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asserted that she had not requested the authorities in the United Kingdom to help former Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi with travel documents.
The Minister said she has been waiting to make a statement in the House to set the record straight, but the Opposition has not allowed the proceedings. And despite her willingness to make a statement, the Opposition has now allowed a discussion on the issue, she pointed out.
The Congress has been demanding the resignation of Ms. Swaraj, alleging that she helped Mr. Modi who is wanted by the Enforcement Directorate for his alleged role in money laundering, get travel documents.
Trying to be heard over the din, Ms. Swaraj said for the last seven days, she has been coming to the Rajya Sabha, so that she can make a statement, but the ruckus created by the Opposition has not allowed the House to function.
The Minister also said that the basis on which the Congress is seeking her removal is incorrect has false. “I have never requested British Government for travel documents, this allegation is false” she said.