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New Delhi/Jaipur: In a massive blow to Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’s attempts to cling on to power in face of the controversy over her links with Lalit Modi, the Congress, Wednesday, brought out papers that appear to confirm the allegation that she had written to the British government in support of the former IPL boss.
At a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh flashed the seven-page affidavit signed by Raje in 2011, in her capacity as leader of opposition in Rajasthan assembly, and submitted to the UK government.
Ramesh said that the document has confirmed, without any doubt, that Raje had written to the UK government in support of the immigration request by Lalit Modi.
First Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje says what documents, I’m not aware about this, second day she says she doesn’t remember if she has signed those papers,and today those documents have come in public domain,” Ramesh said.
Ramesh quoted Raje in the document: “I make this statement in support of any immigration request that Lalit Modi makes but do so on the strict condition that my assistance will not be known to Indian authorities.”
“The documents have come in public domain with her signatures, and those signatures are not fake,” Ramesh said.
“She told UK government that a fugitive should be allowed to stay in their country, it’s bizarre, indefensible, anti-national,” he added.
Pressing for her immediate resignation, Ramesh said, “It’s not a question of whether Vasundhara Raje should resign or not resign; question is when will she resign, tonight or tomorrow.”
“The BJP must ask Vasundhara Raje to resign on moral grounds, entire opposition should speak in one voice and demand her resignation,” he said.
The Congress leader also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “PM who’s a self declared champion of transparency and accountability, man who could not stop talking on any issue one years ago…What does he have to say on this? He has got the clinching evidence, the signatures ( of Vasundhara Raje’s) are real,” he said.
“I can say with confidence that it has never happened earlier in history of independent India that a former CM writes in support of an absconder to a foreign government. Today is not the day for making allegations but to bring the truth forward,” he said.
Clearly, Vasundhara Raje will find herself under intense pressure over the issue even as all eyes will be on the BJP top brass’ next move.
Raje and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj have been facing flak for helping Lalit Modi procure travel documents in the UK, a country which he has made his home to avoid legal processes in India.
Lalit Modi, 49, travelled to London in 2010 after the Indian Premier League (IPL) became embroiled in allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting.
