JAIPUR/NEW DELHI, June 25 � Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje continued to be under pressure today to step down over the Lalit Modi controversy but gave no indication of yielding even as the Congress threatened to disrupt Parliament over the issue, reports PTI.
Seeking to put a lid on speculation that she has been asked to quit, Raje�s office termed it as �untrue� while complaining about �unsubstantiated media reports�.
The CMO came out with two statements denying media reports and dismissing speculation that she had convened a meeting of BJP MLAs to put pressure on the party leadership to desist taking action against her.
However, the statement makes no mention of the raging controversy that has engulfed Raje over a witness statement she purportedly provided in 2011 to Lalit Modi, former IPL chairman, who is wanted in India to answer grave charges of financial crimes. Adding to her woes, a picture of then BJP president Nitin Gadkari, Raje and HRD Minister Smriti Irani at a dinner in London on July 20, 2011 surfaced today.
The picture was taken a month before she allegedly signed the statement in August 2011, supporting Lalit Modi�s immigration appeal.
She was part of BJP delegation to London organised by the Overseas Friends of the BJP, which helps popularize the party abroad and mobilizes support among NRIs. Raje is reported to have stayed back in London to assist the former IPL chief.
The Chief Minister�s Office targeted the media for �false� reports being run on the basis of �rumours� to tarnish her image and cause �political damage�.
Seeking to drive home its point, the CMO cited certain TV news headlines like ��110 MLAs come in support of Raje� and �resignation sought from Vasundhara�, she says I will not tender resignation�.
It also referred to news items like �If I am removed, the party would come in a great problem: Vasundhara� and �BJP can divide if Vasundhra goes�.
The statement also talked about reports like �MLAs and ministers are gathering at CM residence�, �CM is going to Delhi� and �Rajendra Rathore, Medical and Health Minister, is going to Delhi�.
