External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj finally had the chance to make a statement in the Lok Sabha without interruption. Swaraj got the breakthrough she was looking for only because several opposition parties walked out of the House, continuing the boycott.
“Where is the Evidence That I ‘Asked’ for Travel Documents?”
Swaraj made a strong case citing documents to prove that she had not actually “asked” for travel documents to be given to former IPL Chief Lalit Modi.
I want the opposition to present one piece of evidence where I “asked the British authorities” to give travel documents to Lalit Modi. They cannot. But I have documents to show that the decision was taken by the British in compliance with their rules.
– Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister
Documents Were Issued in Accordance With Rules: British Govt
Swaraj further referred the House to an Economic Times report where the British authorities had commented on the Lalit Modi matter. ET had written to the British authorities to disclose the grounds on which travel documents were granted to Lalit Modi.
The British Ministry of Home Affairs had replied saying, “the decision of the documents to be issued to Lalit Modi was determined in accordance with the appropriate rules”.
– Sushma Swaraj quotes Economic Times’ report
Sushma Quotes Lalit Modi’s Wife and the Doctors Who Treated Her
She went on clarify that her decision to write to the British authorities was on humanitarian grounds. She gave the House several points of argument, quoting Lalit Modi’s wife and her doctors:
My medical condition is affecting my family. I need their support and Lalit’s support. Lalit and I stood by each other through thick and thin and I need him now more than ever.
– The account of Lalit Modi’s wife as told by Sushma Swaraj
Mrs Modi’s assessment shows that there is evidence of disease that is life threatening. We need to discuss options with the patient and her next of kin. The presence of Mrs Modi and her husband is required.
– The account of the doctors as told by Sushma Swaraj
“What Would You have Done if You Were in My Shoes?”
Swaraj went on to question what anyone else in her shoes would have done.
What would you have done if you were in my position? What would Sonia ji have done? It wasn’t a favour to Lalit Modi, it was a favour to his wife.
– Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs
Swaraj concluded her statement saying that if it was wrong to help a woman in such difficult circumstances, then she was indeed guilty of wrongdoing and would take whatever punishment was given to her.
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