The Opposition-driven demand for Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s resignation does not seem to be justified as yet (“ >Sushma in soup over Lalit Modi visa ”, June 15). Although there is a perception that she many have committed an act of impropriety, or a quid pro quo may have been involved, the same has not been established beyond doubt. She should be given a chance to explain the matter in greater detail, perhaps on the floor of the House. More importantly, if Mr. Modi is a fugitive, why was there no effort made to extradite him?
S.N.Srinivasan,
Bengaluru
The episode has been blown out of proportion by the Opposition when the issue clearly relates to one of helping a fellow Indian on humanitarian grounds and to see his ailing wife. Though Mr. Modi is wanted for FEMA violations/tax evasion, baying for Ms. Swaraj’s resignation does not make sense.
K.R. Srinivasan,
Secunderabad
It is amazing to read about a Union Minister almost vouching for the credentials of a ‘fugitive and economic offender who needs to be produced in an Indian court’. Stranger still are the assertions that the relationship between India and the U.K. will not be affected by issuing him the visa. Using such an argument, should all such wanted persons including Dawood Ibrahim also be helped on humanitarian grounds?
R. Kanagasabai,
Puducherry
While Mr. Lalit Modi was facing an Enforcement Directorate probe into allegations of financial irregularities in the IPL and also amid other controversies surrounding him, the fact that Ms. Swaraj was covertly helping him to procure travel documents is certainly a case of her misusing her position as a minister of the government of India. A public servant is expected to be truthful to India and its people. Every Minister will face pressures — from colleagues and family, immediate and extended. A real leader should have the moral courage to withstand such pressures. It appears that Ms. Swaraj has failed this test. Sensible citizens have no doubt that is a clear-cut case of a conflict of interest.
Mathew Oommen,
Pune
Ms. Swaraj has earned a black mark for having helped a person who is tainted in the eyes of the law and the law-abiding people of India. As a Cabinet Minister, she should have realised that she was helping her daughter’s client. In doing so, she has caused the greatest harm and embarrassment to the Modi government and must now step down.
K.R. Unnithan,
Chennai
Ms. Swaraj has unnecessarily courted controversy. Lalit Modi is someone who should have remained in India and faced the charges against him. Having fled to London to evade legal action, he deserves absolutely no humanitarian consideration.
Kallal M.L. Raghavan,
Chennai
