Asking Sushma Swaraj's resignation "not appropriate": NCP

NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party, a key constituent of the UPA, today differed with Congress in its demand of External Affairs Minister's resignation over allegations that she "aided" and "abetted" scam-tainted former IPL chief Lalit Modi, saying asking Sushma Swaraj to put in her papers was "not appropriate".

The NCP, headed by former BCCI chairman Sharad Pawar, however, added that the minister also needs to come clean over the issue.

"It a matter of proprietary, so it is both a constitutional and moral question. Sushma Swaraj owes an explanation to the country," senior NCP leader D P Tripathi said.

"However, as a responsible opposition political party, our considerate opinion is that demanding resignation of the minister at this juncture is not appropriate.

"We do not believe that it is quid pro quo in her recommendation giving no objection to the grant of travel documents by British authorities to Lalit Modi," Tripathi added.

Sources said Tripathi talked to SP and RJD leader on the issues yesterday following instructions from Pawar.

This is not the first time that the party has aired conflicting views.

In an alliance in Maharashtra since 1999 to 2014, the two parties parted ways in the state during the Assembly polls held in October last year.