Lalitgate: No signature campaign by BJP MLAs in my support, Raje says

Facing opposition heat over the Lalit Modi controversy, beleaguered Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for the second day on Friday dismissed media reports surrounding her, including that of a signature campaign by 120 party MLAs in her support.

In a statement, a CMO spokesman said the chief minister holds “jansunwai” (public hearing) at her residence every Friday, and for this many MLAs come with the public of their constituency for putting forward their problems and demands.

“Similarly today, the CM is holding a public hearing in which MLAs and party workers are meeting,” the spokesman said.

“The news of signature by 120 MLAs (in her support) is completely wrong. It is not fair to link public hearing with a different view,” he said.

The CMO said the CM never asked or made any call to MLAs to show their strength and support. This is the second day that her office has rubbished media reports surrounding her.

The CM’s press advisor had said on Thursday night that “false” reports were being run on the basis of “rumours” to tarnish her image and cause “political damage”.

The CM is in the dock for reportedly giving an affidavit in favour of Lalit Modi, former IPL commissioner who is facing an Enforcement Directorate probe into alleged money laundering in connection with organising of IPL tournament.

Lalit Modi has made London his home ever since the probe began in 2010.

The CMO said on Friday that some channels were still broadcasting “baseless and untrue” news.

“The CM has not made any such statements shown in TV news channels. Some media channels were running news to tarnish the political image of CM,” he said. The CMO advised the media to carry only confirmed news.

Raje, meanwhile, started her public hearing at 10 am which was being attended by hundreds of people at her residence.

A number of the CM’s cabinet colleagues including R S Rathore, Yunus Khan, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa and MLAs, and state BJP President Ashok Parnami were present during the hearing which was still underway, the press advisor said.

Media persons were not allowed access to the public hearing, the advisor said.