Lalitgate: ‘I am ready for debate,’ Sushma Swaraj tells Opposition

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who has come under criticism over the Lalit Modi controversy, on Tuesday said that she is ready for a debate on the issue in the Parliament.

"I am ready for a debate today itself. I asked Shri Arun Jaitley to convey this to Rajya Sabha," she tweeted.

I am ready for a debate today itself. I asked Shri Arun Jaitley to convey this to Rajya Sabha.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 21, 2015

Shri Arun Jaitley has conveyed this to the House. We are looking forward to the Opposition's response.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 21, 2015

"Shri Arun Jaitley has conveyed this to the House. We are looking forward to the Opposition's response," she added.

The Lalit Modi episode has rocked the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha in the pre-lunch period on the opening day of the Monsoon Session today.

The House witnessed three adjournments as the Congress continued to insist on the resignation of the External Affairs Minister for her alleged involvement in helping Lalit Modi.

Earlier, Swaraj was greeted in the Lok Sabha by a host of NDA members in an apparent gesture of backing her in the wake of the controversy involving her and former IPL chief Lalit Modi for which the Opposition is seeking her resignation.

Several BJP members, as well as those of the Shiv Sena, were seen greeting Swaraj, with some even touching her feet before the House met on the first day of the Monsoon Session.

As soon as the House was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to departed members, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Swaraj were seen involved in an animated discussion near the front row.

Soon, SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav joined the three. The Prime Minister was seen holding Yadav's arm while the SP leader was making a point.

SP leaders like Ram Gopal Yadav have supported Swaraj in the controversay saying people keep coming to politicians for help and there is no reason to demand the resignation of the senior BJP leader.