New Delhi: Breaking ranks with opposition parties, the Samajwadi Party (SP) today came out in support of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over her help to Lalit Modi, saying what she did was "perfectly alright" and not a "crime" as people in power have to accommodate the requests of people in need.
SP General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav was also critical of Congress and other opposition parties for their demand that she quit, saying they were "making a mountain out of a molehill" and seeking resignation of people on every issue has become a "trend".
"Swaraj helping Lalit Modi to get a UK visa on humanitarian ground is perfectly alright. Political people have to help people in such situations.
"What is wrong if a man is helped in getting visa for the treatment of his wife abroad. To my knowledge she asked the British authorities to help Lalit Modi as per prescribed rules," he told PTI.
He said demanding resignation of personalities on "every issue" has become a "trend" and political parties should desist from such a practice.
Mr Yadav also rejected the Congress' allegation that her help to Mr Modi was quid-pro-quo as he had helped her kin for admission in a UK university. "It has little meaning. She had been and is any day more influential than Lalit Modi. She does not need his help."
