Raje, Sushma Swaraj must go: CPI-M

The CPI-M on Thursday demanded the immediate resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, saying her conduct vis-a-vis former IPL chief Lalit Modi marked "a new low from a political leader and a national affront".

The Communist Party of India-Marxist also sought the resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for her own links with Lalit Modi.

"The emergence of a witness statement signed by Vasundhara Raje in support of Lalit Modi's immigration application to the UK has conclusively established the wrongdoing indulged in by the chief minister," the CPI-M said in a statement.

"It is shocking that the then leader of the opposition in the Rajasthan assembly made a conditionality that her support for Lalit Modi should be kept confidential and not be known to the Indian authorities," it said.

"This is a new low from a political leader and a national affront."

The CPI-M demanded the immediate resignation of Vasundhara Raje from the chief ministership. "This should be followed by an investigation into the links she and her family members have with Lalit Modi."

The CPI-M also sought a comprehensive enquiry in the Lalit Modi affair. "Till then, it is not tenable for Sushma Swaraj to continue in office."