External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed the Lok Sabha on the Lalit Modi Controversy. Here are the highlights:
- I'm not taking advantage of the opposition's absence to make this statement in my defence.
- For 2 weeks, there's been a misinformation campaign against me.
- Almost 3 weeks are up and I don't see any chance of a debate.
- Injustice if I'm not allowed to explain myself.
- Luck not in my favour as my closest friends in the opposition are demanding my resignation. I am sure my bad days will be over soon.
- All allegations against me are false.
- I've been accused of petitioning the British government to help Lalit Modi get travel documents.
- I never requested British to favour Lalit Modi for travel documents. Words in such form of communication are important.
- Had I requested the British in favour of Lalit Modi, I would have written that documents should be given.
- I challenge the opposition to present any proof that I did this.
- What I said was that if the UK government chooses to give travel documents to Lalit Modi, it won't affect ties with India.
- Lalit Modi's wife has been suffering from cancer for 17 years. It recurred the 10th time.
- The hospital in Portugal said that this time, the cancer was life threatening.
- Lalit Modi's wife said she needed his support.
- The hospital said the presence of Mrs Modi and her husband will be required.
- I want to ask what would Mrs Sonia Gandhi have done in my place.