File photo of Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje
The Rajasthan government had allegedly forwarded the name of tainted cricket mughal, Lalit Modi, for the prestigious Padma awards in 2007, according to newspaper reports.
According to a report in Dainik Bhaskar, the Rajasthan State Sports Council, a state government body, had written to the Union Sports Ministry in July 2007 recommending Mr Modi's name. In a letter to the Principal Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, the council said, "We are forwarding documents of Lalit Modi for the Padma award for necessary action."
Ms Raje was the state's chief minister from 2003 to 2008, when Mr Modi's name was allegedly forwarded by the state government for Padma awards, one of the country's highest civilian awards for contribution to society. The documents forwarded by the council were a profile of Mr Modi, the then president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), and details of his businesses.
The opposition Congress has been demanding Ms Raje's resignation for her close links and financial dealings with Mr Modi.
A statement issued by state Congress president Sachin Pilot said, "The latest revelation that the then state government led by Ms Raje in 2007 had recommended Modi's name for Padma awards has again substantiated the close relations of Ms Raje with Modi."
The sports council has so far refused to make any comment in this regard till the files have been examined.
Ms Raje's party, the BJP has backed her and ruled out her resignation.