Govt backs Swaraj on Lalit Modi row; opp wants resignation

Fighting against all odds, Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre is holding the fort to support External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. On the first day of the proceeding of the Monsoon session of Parliament, Rajya Sabha faced three back-to-back adjournments after Opposition created uproar seeking Sushma's resignation in the row over alleged links with former Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi.

However, standing firm against the unrelenting Opposition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Sushma is ready to give a statement and accused the Opposition of not being ready for a debate. Jaitley, who met Sushma before giving a statement to the media, claimed that the Opposition does not want a discussion.Meanwhile, the beleaguered External Affairs Minister was on Tuesday greeted in the Lok Sabha by a host of NDA members in an apparent gesture of backing her despite severe criticism from opposition MPs. Several BJP members, as well as those of the Shiv Sena, were seen greeting Swaraj, with some even touching her feet before the House met on the first day of the Monsoon Session.

As soon as the House was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to departed members, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Swaraj were seen involved in an animated discussion near the front row.

Soon, SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav joined the three. The Prime Minister was seen holding Yadav's arm while the SP leader was making a point.