New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said that all the accusations leveled against her over the Lalit Modi controversy are false and baseless; adding that she never asked the UK Government to help the former IPL chief.
“This accusation is false and baseless. I have never recommended or requested the British Government to favour Lalit Modi for travel documents. Words in such communication are important. If I was recommending, then I would have written that travel documents should be given to Lalit Modi. If I had requested or recommended, then the British Government would have answered the Economic Times query accordingly,” said Swaraj.
Clarifying her actions, Swaraj said there was nothing wrong in helping Lalit Modi’s wife on ‘humanitarian grounds’.
“I want to say that before asking how was it done and why was it done, tell me what did I do? Lalit Modi’s wife is suffering from cancer for the last 17 years. She was getting treated at a research center in Portugal. She has been diagnosed with cancer for the tenth time, and doctors said that this time her cancer was life threatening. The medical institute said Mrs. Modi’s treatment is life threatening and her husband must be present. That is the background of ‘humanitarian grounds’,” she said.
The External Affairs Minister challenged the opposition to present at least one note, letter or email which showed that she had asked the UK Government to present Lalit Modi with travel papers. She was candid in admitting that if the UK Government took the step to provide Modi with travel documents as per its rules, that country’s bilateral ties with India would not be affected.
“I was hoping for a discussion to happen in both the Houses, but likeness of that happening wasn’t visible. Injustice is being done with me, as I didn’t even get a chance to clarify or put forth my opinion,” Swaraj told the Lok Sabha.
“My friends, who used to love me and adore me, are sharply criticizing me and asking me to resign. Stars are probably not in my favour, as those who have always supported me, are demanding my resignation. Stars will turn,” she said.
The External Affairs Minister further put the ball in Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s court and asked as to what would be her action in a similar situation.
“Neither have I played a role in taking a decision nor have I played a role in imposing the decision. I want to ask what would have Sonia ji done had she been in my place? If you (Speaker) were in my place, what would you have done? Would have left her to die?” Swaraj asked.
“The help has been offered to that wife, who is an Indian citizen, who is not involved in any crime. If helping a woman like her is a crime, then yes, I have done wrong. If helping a woman is wrong, then yes I have committed a crime, and I am ready for any punitive action that this House will decide” she said.
