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Despite an intervention by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the LalitGate controversy, the Rajya Sabha failed to transact any business on Monday too. The Opposition continued to protest demanding the resignations of BJP leaders involved in Swaraj, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Earlier, when the House convened, Swaraj said she had not done anything to favour Lalit Modi. “I have been coming here for the last seven days in Rajya Sabha just so that the discussion can be held on this matter. But the discussion is never being held and they (Opposition) are always creating chaos,” she said. “I have never never requested the British government for travel documents for Lalit Modi,” she maintained.
Questioning her statement Opposition members asked Chairman Hamid Ansari to expunge her remarks since it had been made without the Chair’s permission. Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien told agitating Congress members that he will look into the details of Swaraj’s remarks. He chided the Opposition for speaking without the permission of the Chair.
When Congress leader Anand Sharma asked the Prime Minister to respond, Kurien said the Prime Minister can respond only if a debate had been initiated. He, however, added that Swaraj’s remarks cannot be considered as a statement.
While the government maintained it was ready for a discussion, the Congress said it was being arrogant and continued the protests.
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