The Vyapam scam and the Lalit Modi controversy became ammunition for the Opposition to mount an attack on the government and force the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The Opposition parties were firm that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj should not be allowed to continue in office till an inquiry is conducted to assess her role in recommending travel documents for former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, who is wanted by the Enforcement Directorate for alleged money laundering. They demanded the removal of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and her Madhya Pradesh counterpart Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who have been accused of involvement in the Vyapam scam and Lalitgate.
Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said Ms. Swaraj was ready to speak and that the government was ready for a discussion “in whatever form and at whatever time”, but that did not cut ice with the Opposition.
While Mr. Jaitley accused the Opposition of “wanting to disrupt the House”, Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) recalled how the BJP, while in the Opposition, had forced adjournments demanding action against the 2G scam accused.
“Serious allegations have been raised against the External Affairs Minister and the Chief Ministers. On these issues, a high-level inquiry should be commissioned, and till it is over, they should be asked to demit office or be removed,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader dismissed the offer of a discussion, saying, “…If you are willing for a debate, then why not for an investigation?”
