Monsoon Session: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 3 p.m

Facing Opposition heat on “Lalitgate”, the Government on Monday made it clear that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is ready to make a statement in Parliament on allegations against her on facilitating Lalit Modi’s travel documents.

Responding to Sharma, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley asked the opposition to start the debate.

The Lalit Modi episode has rocked the proceedings within the Rajya Sabha within the pre-lunch interval on the opening day of the Monsoon Session as we speak. He added that the Opposition is not prepared for a discussion.

“I told the House that Sushma Swaraj will herself be present for a debate, but the opposition didn’t agreed for it as it was not ready with information”.

As soon as the House assembled in the morning, Congress members were on their feet targetting the government on the matter and raising questions over its probity.

Raising the matter soon after the obituary references, Anand Sharma (Cong) demanded a reply from the Prime Minister. Addressing mediapersons, Jaitley said that the government has placed on record that request for discussion on Lalit Modi row and Vyapam can be placed.

The Congress has been demanding the resignation of Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for helping former Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi, a “fugitive” as the party calls him, accused of money laundering and violation of foreign exchange rules. Where is the probity left?

Amid objections from the treasury benches to his remarks, Congress members trooped into the Well of the House and raising slogans for her removal.