Ex-IPL chief uses TV channels to air views

Disgraced cricket administrator Lalit Modi used competing TV channels to air his version of events and about the nexus between him and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje – by granting  the "first" interview from a picturesque locale in Montenegro, off Adriatic Sea. 

On Tuesday night, India Today TV's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai became the first journalist to interview  Modi about the the role of  Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje  in helping him get treatment for his wife as well as immigrate to the UK.
But, on Wednesday, Modi cancelled his planned interviews to other Indian journalists who were on their way to Montenegro to interview him, saying he has been advised by his lawyers to stop talking to the Indian media.

"Breaking News as media would put it - My UK Lawyers have advised that no more interviews should be given as facts are being distorted," Modi tweeted. "In absence of being able to bring quickly any liable claims in India if facts distorted – I should avoid interviews with indian networks," said another tweet. Modi then went on to name the journalists who were scheduled to interview him.

As a build-up to attract maximum number of eyeballs to watch him, Modi had on Monday declared a full-blown 'war' against his detractors, warning them of sensational disclosures saying it was his 'turn to get everything out.' He also assured everyone that a 'storm was about to hit' and that 'the games have just begun' in a series of tweets.

In the interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, Modi talked about various issues concerning this controversy. Modi agreed that he has made a phone call to Swaraj. He said documents revealed he would have got his residency in the UK way back in May 2012. But it was delayed on account of the Congress-led UPA government.

Modi also said he had the original papers signed by Vasundhara Raje in support of his immigration, and said Raje was by the side of his wife when she underwent treatment for cancer in his absence. “Raje and Sushma supported me when my wife was sick,” Modi said. However, Raje denied having written a witness statement recommending Modi’s case for a stay in the UK.

In the interview, Modi held that the UPA government was against him and it went after him as part of political vendetta. Former finance minister P Chidambaram had tried to use his clout to get him deported, he added.