Chidambaram asks PM to release letters to UK chancellor

Charging the Centre on it’s silence on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj helping former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi, former union finance minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday asked the Prime Minister Modi to release the letters exchanged between him and U K Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne.

Posing a series of questions to the government on the controversy, Chidambaram said “Why is the government fighting shy of releasing the letters...the letters exchanged between Mr Osborne and me are the best evidence,”

“Both the context and the contents will be known if the letters are made public,” he added. Stating that Sushma Swaraj’s action was clearly a case of nepotism, abuse of authority and violation of rules, the former finance minister said at a time when there was a look-out notice, showcause notice and summons to appear before the ED and  a cancelledpassport, how could she recommend Lalit Modi’s case for travel document.

Pointing out that Lalit Modi was facing charges under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), he said the charges are very serious.

  Claiming that the conduct of Sushma Swaraj raises a number of important questions, Chidambaram said it involved the credibility and reputation of a minister of the government.Chidambarm also wanted the government to use its authority and power to ensure that Lalit Modi returned to India and face the cases filed against him by the ED.
Referring to charges made by Lalit Modi against the UPA government, Chidambaram said these charges were laughable and do not deserve a reply.

He also sought an answer from the government on Lalit Modi’s wild charge that his life will be in danger if he returned to India. “Is the NDA government incapable of protecting an Indian citizen who is required by the ED to appear for an enquiry,” he asked.