CPI(M) demands ouster of Swaraj, Raje, probe into Lalitgate

Seeking to hit at the probity of Narendra Modi government in the wake of 'Lalitgate' row, CPI(M) today demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter involving External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and demanded their resignation.
The party said the inquiry could be done by a special investigation team under the supervision of Supreme Court.
CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury questioned why the Prime Minister is being "silent" over the issue and expressed doubts if the PMO too had endorsed facilitating the ex-IPL chief.
"Probity of this Narendra Modi government is under a big question mark, his (Prime Minister's) accountability and transparency. This can only be answered if a proper probe is constituted and till the probe is on, these people should not continue to remain in office," Yechury said.

The Rajya Sabha MP further said the issue will surely come up during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.
"It will surely be an issue during the upcoming session of Parliament and particularly in the background of the tall claims made by this government. And why is the Prime Minister silent? Whether there has also been an endorsement of the PMO to all that has happened?" he said.

Terming both Swaraj and Raje as his "good friends", Yechury said there is nothing personal in his party seeking their resignation.
"But the problem is probity of the government and its accountability. If that has to be maintained, there is no other course," he said.

Yechury said the 'Lalitgate' has shown the character of NDA government as people did not have to wait for long to see such "corrupt" practices by the ruling dispensation.