Union Minister Sushma Swaraj not alienated within BJP: Babul Supriyo

KOLKATA: Union Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo today said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was not alienated within her party over the controversy involving former IPL boss Lalit Modi.

"People have right to form opinion on their own. But as Sushmaji has already stated that she did it on humanitarian grounds, we must appreciate the fact that the people living abroad are reaching out to the Government of India when in distress," Supriyo said here on the sidelines of a programme defending his senior party leader.

"We should appreciate the fact that an Indian in distress abroad can reach out to the government of his own country and getting positive response from the government of his home country," Supriyo said.

The singer-turned-politician, who was interacting with reporters after an interactive session of the Merchant Chamber of Commerce (MCC) here, also scotched speculation by the opposition parties on alleged differences between Sushma Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over this issue.

"Sushmaji is not alienated within the party. There is even no differences between her and the government. The way our party has stood by her has rubbished all criticism," Supriyo said.

"Moreover, senior ministers and party colleagues have already answered whatever questions raised on the issue and I don't think I have anything more to add," he said.