NEW DELHI: Sticking to the demand for resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for helping controversial former IPL chief Lalit Modi, opposition parties led by Congress today insisted that it is for the government to find a solution to end the logjam in Parliament.
Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they alleged he was trying to continue with his “tradition” of retaining “tainted” ministers in Cabinet as he did in Gujarat when he was the Chief Minister.
Referring to a ‘dharna’ by BJP members against disruption in Parliament, opposition parties including BSP and JD(U), who are protesting over Vyapam and Lalit Modi related issues, said that rather than hold such demonstrations, government should take action against those facing serious allegations.
Government, however insisted that it was ready to discuss the issues raised by opposition which, it claimed, was running from a debate.
With Government and Opposition trading charges over complete washout of Parliament proceedings this week, Congress spokesperson Raj Babbar said, “Discussion can only happen when the tainted ministers are relieved from the Cabinet. After that there should be investigation and then discussion.”
It is the government’s responsibility to run the House, he told reporters, adding that the government is trying very hard to find excuses.
Attacking the Prime Minister, Babbar said that when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, individuals who faced serious allegations like Maya Kodnani, Purshottam Solanki and Babubhai Bokhriya remained ministers in his government.
“Modi wants the same tradition to be repeated at the Centre. He is travelling around the globe and giving speeches but is silent in India,” Babbar said.
BSP chief Mayawati also insisted that there should be “resignation before discussion”.
“Rather that hold dharna demonstrations, the government should take action against people who have violated norms.
Action means resignation, then discussion,” she said.
Expressing similar views, JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav asked who were the ruling party members protesting against when they themselves had been vested with power.
“You have not been chosen for dharna demonstration but to find solutions to problems,” Yadav said adding that if ruling party members themselves sit in protest, “it reflects their helplessness”.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, however, said that the government was willing to discuss the issues on which the opposition was seeking adjournments.
“But opposition does not want discussion, so what can we do,” he said, while dismissing the demand for resignation of Swaraj.
“There is no basis for it,” he said.–PTI
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