Of bytes, theatrics, death and eloquence: Sonia-Sushma skirmish escalates into war of words between BJP and Congress

There was no let-up in tensions between the ruling BJP government and Congress over the Lalit Modi controversy. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday denied charges that she helped tainted former IPL chief Lalit Modi in getting travel documents in the UK, and asked Sonia Gandhi what she would have done to help a woman suffering from cancer. A war of words ensued following Sushma’s speech in Parliament. While Congress workers on Thursday staged a shirtless protest outside the Parliament, the party chairperson dubbed the Union Minister’s speech in Lok Sabha as ‘drama’ and ’theatrics.’ Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi backed the statement and added that his mother would have never done what Swaraj did. The BJP did not wait too long before attacking the Congress, as Smriti Irani slammed the party for its lack of respect for the Speaker and the mandate of the people. Here’s what they said: Swaraj’s dramatic defence: 

Swaraj in Parliament on Thursday had said that any assistance she provided for Lalit Modi’s travel was “on humanitarian grounds” for his wife, a cancer patient, who wanted her husband to accompany her to Portugal. Sonia Gandhi was barely moved by the speech:

Rahul Gandhi’s dramatic response:

Not only did the Congress vice-president respond to Swaraj’s defence with equal drama, but he added that the EAM’s speech was hollow. Rahul Gandhi went a step further and told the media that Swaraj should explain how much money her family got from the former cricket administrator.

  As the war of words escalated, BJP sent Smriti Irani to Swaraj’s rescue:

The Union HRD Minister condemned the Congress’ allegations against Swaraj describing her as a “woman who works hard and whose daughter has worked hard to earn”. She added, “The Gandhi family is an exception. They don’t toil in the sun to earn their bread. I condemn this kind of allegation. The Congress is running away from discussion as they have no proof. What do they know about khoon pasiney ki kamaai (hard-earned money)? It is easier to give a one-and-a-half minute byte than an hour and a half-long speech.”