Jaitley rules out going on back foot on Lalit Modi issue, defends government

In the wake of scathing attacks by the opposition parties over Lalit Modi controversy, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government has done nothing wrong and will play by the rulebook.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Jaitley added there is "no question at all" about the government going on the back foot on this issue.

"The government will play by the rule book and we will make sure that the absolute standards of probity are maintained," Jaitley told PTI.

He also rejected any impression that few leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the government were siding with corrupt people. "There is no question at all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties are planning to disrupt the Monsoon Session of Parliament on the Lalit Modi issue. However, Jaitley said Parliament was meant to discuss and not to disrupt business.

"We are willing to have a discussion on any subject that the Opposition wants," he told the news agency.

The Monsoon Session will begin on July 21.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje have been facing ire for allegedly helping former IPL Commissioner Lalit

Modi in procuring travel documents in the UK, a country which he has made his home to avoid legal processes in India.

Raje’s son Dushyant Singh has also come under light over reports that his company received Rs 11.63 crore in investments from Modi in 2008.

(Image: Reuters)