Lalit Modi row: Rajasthan CM clarifies her position to BJP chief

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Wednesday clarified her position to BJP president Amit Shah over allegations that she testified in favour of former IPL chief Lalit Modi's British immigration application in 2011.

Raje talked to Shah over phone and clarified her position over the controversy, sources told IANS. She also sought time to meet him, the sources added.

Raje was hit by a controversy following revelation apparently made in a statement released by Modi's legal team.

According to the sources, Raje told Shah she was not aware of the documents released by Modi's legal team. However, she accepted her family relations with Modi.

The BJP is in no mood to defend Raje, who was told by the leadership to defend herself as it is already facing embarrassment over External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Sushma helped Lalit Modi procure documents to travel to Portugal last year for his cancer-stricken wife's treatment, a BJP leader told IANS on the condition of anonymity.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also gave an indication. "We stand very firmly. There is no allegation of corruption or any impropriety. The people of India trust us," Prasad said in a press conference while replying to a question about the Sushma Swaraj-Lalit Modi row.

Reacting on Raje, he said the details would have to be looked into.

"Vasundhara ji has spoken slightly yesterday... I am sure she will revert back," he said, adding: "There was, however, no signature on the documents shown yesterday (Tuesday)."