Remove Sushma, Raje; Probe At Highest Level: CPI-M

The Opposition parties, mainly the Congress, which is in a majority in the Upper House, has vowed not to let the House function smoothly unless Ms Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, whose alleged links with Lalit Modi have also given fuel to the Opposition, were removed. Jaitley attacked the Opposition saying it is not prepared for a discussion. They don’t want a discussion. I am making an offer and would suggest… if they want to start a discussion, then start it immediately.

Meanwhile, the beleaguered External Affairs Minister was on Tuesday greeted in the Lok Sabha by a host of NDA members in an apparent gesture of backing her despite severe criticism from opposition MPs.

Drawing a parallel between 2G and Lalit Modi case, Yechury said at that time the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was silent and now the PM is also maintaining silence over the whole issue. However, Congress members continued to disrupt the proceedings of the House.

Congress plans protests against Vyapam and Lalit Modi. Leaders of Congress party have spoken.

Sitaram Yechury also insisted that Sushma Swaraj resign pending investigations.

He said the opposition had given a notice under Rule 267 for suspension of Question Hour and proceedings and to take up a discussion against Sushma Swaraj and some state leaders, including Chief Ministers.

Soon after the opposition members concluded speaking, Congress members trooped near the chairperson’s podium while Kurien allowed the motion and kept calling the names of Sharma, Tiwari and Agarwal – who had submitted the motion – to move it.

Congress seems to be a divided house over Parliament strategy on demanding External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s resignation. He said the decision will be taken after listening to others and “Yechury is having the floor and nobody else”.

Kurien said, “I am not going to stop anybody”.

Jaitley had then stated that a discussion in the House was “not a substitute for impartiality of people in allegation and they should not remain in position”, Yechury said, charging the BJP with not adopting the same yardstick now when they are in the treasury benches.