Let an inquiry prove if Sushma Swaraj is innocent: CPI(M)

NEW DELHI: CPI(M) today refused to buy External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's argument that she had not helped Lalit Modi but his cancer-stricken wife, and questioned why Prime Narendra Narendra Modi was "hesitating" in ordering an inquiry into the issue.

Sticking to its demand for Swaraj's resignation and a high-level probe, the Left party also objected to the Minister making a statement in "the absence of entire opposition" in Lok Sabha.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Union Minister will be welcomed "with honour" if a probe proves her innocence.

The Left party also demanded resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje over her alleged help to the controversial former IPL chief Lalit Modi and that of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in connection with the Vyapam scam.

Swaraj has been at the centre of the row for allegedly helping Lalit Modi get British travel documents.

"The Minister gave a statement in the absence of entire opposition like Mr Rajiv Gandhi had run Parliament during the Bofors scam. If at all what the Minister has said is correct, then why is the Prime Minister hesitating to order an inquiry?" Yechury asked.

He stressed that the opposition is demanding only a high-level probe and that the leaders allegedly involved in the controversies should step down till probe is completed.

"If what the Union Minister is saying is correct, then she should come back with honour. (But) let the inquiry prove it," he added.

Swaraj today made an emotional statement in the Lok Sabha, saying she had not helped the ex-IPL chief but his cancer-stricken wife and asked if Congress chief Sonia Gandhi would have acted differently if faced with such a situation.

She insisted she had made "no request or recommendation" to UK government for giving travel documents to Lalit Modi but had left the decision to Britain.

Swaraj, whose ouster is being demanded vigorously by the opposition leading to a deadlock in Parliament, made a statement with a preface in which she regretted that "her friends" in the opposition had been targeting her and were not even ready to listen to her version on the issue.