CPI asks for removal of Swaraj, Raje, action against Irani

Chandigarh: Hitting out at the Modi government for “failing” to provide a corruption and scam free regime, Communist Party of India (CPI) on Wednesday sought removal of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for their alleged links with tainted former IPL chief Lalit Modi.

The CPI also demanded action against Union Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani for her alleged contradictory claims about her educational qualifications.

The National Council of CPI, which is holding its three-day meeting in Chandigarh, on Wednesday adopted four resolutions including demanding resignation of “tainted” ministers in BJP government and constitution of a SIT under the supervision of a Supreme Court Judge to probe killings in Vyapam case in Madhya Pradesh.

The top brass of CPI is holding brain storming sessions on various issues including party’s electoral tactical line for upcoming Bihar polls, review of campaign against Land Acquisition Bill, political and economic developments in the country among others.

“In one year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that he has provided corruption-free regime. But within 15 days, the biggest scam ‘Modigate’ involving Lalit Modi, Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje and others came out,” CPI leader and party spokesman Shamim Faizi said on Wednesday.

CPI accused Swaraj of misusing her office to help Lalit Modi, wanted by the Enforcement Directorate over the alleged financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League cricket tournament (IPL).

“We think that everything has been proved that Sushma Swaraj is guilty of misuse of office, conflict of interest … she should quit,” Faizi said while addressing media on the second day of party’s National Council meeting.

Launching an attack on Raje, CPI alleged that new evidences were out in public domain to show the close link between the Rajasthan CM and her son Dushyant with Lalit Modi in business deals, money laundering and over the alleged illegal occupation of the Dholpur palace, a government property.

“We demand her removal also,” he said.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Faizi said, “PM who is in the habit of tweeting on every subject is not ready to open his mouth on this biggest ever scam.”

In a reference to Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi Law Minister Jitender Singh Tomar who was jailed over his forged degrees, CPI further said the central government should take a similar action against the Union HRD minister

“BJP was in haste to get arrested minister of Delhi… we are asking similar approach to be taken in case of HRD minister Smriti Irani. She has also made contradictory claims on educational qualifications,” he alleged.

CPI also sought action against two ministers in Maharashtra Vinod Tawde and Pankaja Munde, saying serious corruption charges have been levelled against them.

CPI also announced to anti-corruption campaign inAugust against the Modi government.

“We have decided to observe ‘Quit Corruption Day’ probably on August 9. We are in consultation with other Left parties to launch anti-corruption campaign unitedly,” said Faizi.

The date will be finalised on July 5 when coordination committee of six Left parties - CPI, CPM, Socialist United Centre of India (Communist), RSP, Forward Block and CPIL (ML) Liberation meet in Delhi.

Earlier speaking, CPI National Secretary D Raja claimed that the game of cricket had become centre for money laundering and black money generation.

“… cricket has become centre for money laundering, generation of black money and it has become gamble. The IPL and BCCI take income tax exemptions but they are not answerable to Finance Ministry. It is a sports body but not answerable to sports ministry,” he said while accusing Modi government of following neo-liberal policies to benefit big corporates, which he added, was leading to inequality among people of the country.

PTI