3 Ministers Rock Modi’s Boat

.”Our ministers do not have to resign. This is not Congress’ government. This is NDA government,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters

Quotes From Vasundhara Raje’s ‘Secret’ Testimony for Lalit Modi

India’s ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) found itself in a spot after three of its stalwarts – Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde – came under fire by the opposition.

HRD Minister Smriti Irani faced trouble after a Delhi court took cognizance of a complaint filed against her for allegedly furnishing false information about her academic qualifications in affidavits she had filed before the Election Commission in 2004, 2011 and 2014.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on August 28 and asked the journalist, who has filed the complaint, to submit evidence before the court.
The Opposition led by the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were quick to demand that she resign immediately to aid free and fair probe into the matter.
“Court has found the matter cognizable, trial is going to start soon, the matter will be investigated. Is it not conflict of interest that she remains Education Minister of country while the matter will be under Court’s jurisdiction?” said Ajay Maken of the Congress.
On the other hand, AAP leaders were quick to link her case with that of Delhi minister Narendra Singh Tomar and said that she should also be arrested.
“We have full faith in Delhi police and PM Modi that with the promptness with which Delhi Law Minister was arrested. The same promptness will be shown in lodging an FIR and arresting Union Minister Smriti Irani,” AAP leader Ashutosh said.
However, the Modi government appeared to be strongly behind her and, also Sushma Swaraj, who is under fire over ‘Lalitgate’.”Our ministers do not have to resign. This is not Congress’ government. This is NDA government,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.
In Jaipur, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje appeared to be fighting a losing battle over her links with Lalit Modi.The Congress sought her immediate resignation after it released documents purportedly signed by Raje in which she allegedly backed former IPL chief’s immigration plea in Britain.”The curtains are off, the secret is out. The document signed by Vasundhara Raje dated August 18, 2011 supporting his immigration case before the British government is out. When the issue came out first, she feigned ignorance and then said she does not remember,” senior party leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters at the AICC briefing.
“BJP has always maintained that if papers are produced with her signature, then she is culpable. There is no need of anymore evidence, Vasundhara Raje stands thoroughly exposed,” Ramesh said.
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramesh said he knows it will be “difficult” for him to seek resignation of three Ministers.
While, media reports claimed that the BJP top brass has given Raje 24 hours to clear her name, the Rajasthan unit of the party came out openly in support of the Chief Minister.
“We completely rule out Vasundhara Raje ji’s resignation demand,the entire party stands with her,” said Rajendra Rathore, Rajasthan Health Minister.
Pankaja Munde scripts Chikki scam: Pankaja, daughter of late Gopinath Munde, was accused by the Congress-led opposition of a Rs 206 crore scam in purchase of food items and other materials for government-run schools for tribal children.
It is alleged that Munde cleared 24 contracts worth Rs 206 crore – through government resolutions – for purchase of several items such as chikki, mats, books, dishes and water filters.
Reports said that Maharashtra government rules mandate e-tendering of all purchases over Rs 3 lakhs, but the rule was overlooked in the case.
Pankaja, who is out of the country, denied any wrong doing. “Have not broken any rules as far as I am concerned, I am here to do best for women and children. Sensationalizing anything without proper info can also destroy people’s trust in the system,” she said.
As pressure mounted on the BJP-Shiv Sena government, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was forced to air his views on the matter.
“The controversy that has surfaced with regard to purchase related to ICDS is baseless. This purchase has only been done as per state and centre’s rate contracts in February,” Fadnavis said.
“Concerned Minister Pankaja Munde called me and said I can order any probe into the matter if I feel the need,” he added.