Modi silence over Lalit row exposes BJP's double standards: Cong

Stepping up attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership over Lalit Modi controversy, Congress on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was losing political capital by trying to protect foreign minister and Rajasthan chief minister through his continued silence on the "indefensible issue".

The party alleged that union ministers were also giving clean chits to both the leaders without any investigation and probe, thus "exposing" the double standards of the BJP.

Pradesh Congress Committee President Sachin Pilot, while demanding resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and state Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for helping former Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi, said that the allegations against them were levelled by Lalit Modi himself and not the Congress party.

"The allegations against the BJP leaders were have not been brought by Congress. We as the Congress party demand their resignations on legal, ethical and moral grounds," Pilot said at a press conference in Jaipur.

"Ministers in Government of India are neither heads of investigation agencies nor judges in the court of law and it is very surprising that they, before investigation is conducted or finished by Enforcement Directorate, are giving clean chits to people against whom there are serious allegations," he said.

Pilot said, "No one in the party and the government is denying existence of these documents. The BJP said that till the documents were verified, they would not ask for her resignation but it will take the government of India one hour to verify authenticity of those documents," he said.

Targeting the prime minister, Pilot said that his silence on indefensible issue has exposed him and he was losing political capital day by day.

"PM's words -- Na Khaunga Na Khande Dunga (neither will I take bribe, nor will I allow anyone to take bribe) -- have come to haunt him. He is losing political capital and he and his party have been fully exposed. The BJP is obstinate on this issue but we will not let the issue die down," he said.

"The party will raise it in parliament and in the state assembly sessions," he added.

"Lalit Modi, who is alleged to have created black money and is fugitive of law, was helped by the BJP leaders and this is also breach of law and violation of sections of IPC and CrPC,” he said.

Demanding Raje's resignation to clear way for a thorough investigation, the Congress leader said, "Maharashtra government sought clarification from Mumbai police commissioner regarding his meeting with Lalit Modi on the basis of a photograph but in case of Raje, there is a clear backing.”

When asked about the BJP's allegations on the son of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot about illegal transaction linked to a Mauritius-based company, the PCC President said that Gehlot has already clarified his stand.

He, however, also said that "everyone is equal before law, irrespective of political affiliation".

"The former chief minister has already said that a probe from sitting judge of high court can be conducted on allegations against his son, so nothing is left to say anything on this now," he added.

Pilot also said that the Congress will hold a protest in Jaipur on Wednesday demanding resignations of the chief minister and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"There are serious allegations against the BJP leaders but the BJP is protecting them. We will continue to demand their resignation and will hold a mass protest in Jaipur," he said.

"We will assemble at the Udyog Maidan and will march towards civil line railway crossing where a demonstration will be held. We are going to take up the matter in full earnest. Raje should put in resignation without any further delay. It is a matter of propriety," the Congress leader said.