New Delhi: Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has alleged that he has faced years of political targeting by leaders of the Indian National Congress, claiming that his name is repeatedly invoked during political debates and election campaigns despite no legal case being successfully pursued against him.
Speaking in a recent interview, Modi questioned why he continues to feature prominently in political discourse, particularly in speeches delivered by Rahul Gandhi. He claimed that references to him often resurface whenever elections approach or major political issues dominate public attention.
According to Modi, the absence of any court proceedings against him over nearly two decades raises questions about the allegations made against him. He argued that if substantial evidence of wrongdoing existed, legal action would already have been taken and concluded. He maintained that no case has been proven against him during this period.
Addressing comparisons with prominent industrialists such as Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, Modi said his association with cricket places him in a different category. He argued that cricket’s immense popularity keeps him in the public spotlight and makes him a frequent subject of media attention.
While stating that he is not concerned about legal scrutiny, Modi expressed concern over what he described as politically motivated actions by influential individuals. He claimed that certain political figures continue to hold grievances against him and possess enough influence to shape public narratives.
Modi also revisited the controversy surrounding the now-defunct Indian Premier League Kochi franchise. He alleged that senior leaders within the then Congress-led government supported Shashi Tharoor during the dispute. Modi further claimed that Sonia Gandhi backed Tharoor and that several senior Congress leaders contacted him as the controversy unfolded.
According to Modi, his objections centred on the ownership and equity structure of the Kochi consortium, particularly questions regarding the allocation of shares to Sunanda Pushkar. He said concerns over transparency and the financial arrangement prompted him to raise objections, which he believes ultimately led to intensified opposition against him from multiple quarters.
