New Delhi, Jul 9 (DHNS): Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje found herself in a fresh controversy on Wednesday after reports emerged that she recommended controversial ex-IPL chief Lalit Modi for Padma awards in 2007.

Though there was no response from Raje’s camp, there were claims that she forwarded Lalit’s name in July 2007 through Sports Council.

It is claimed that the state government cited Lalit’s contribution to development of cricket in Rajasthan and his standing as a businessman for considering him for the prestigious award.

The fresh claims came after Raje was exposed in an affidavit that shows she had helped Lalit, who is facing ED probe for FEMA violations and money laundering.

Defending Raje, former Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) Secretary Subhash Joshi said Lalit has done good work in promoting cricket in the state. In Jaipur, Rajasthan Sports Minister Gajendra Singh said, “I do not have any idea about it”.

Though the state recommended Lalit’s name, the UPA government ignored it. Rajasthan Congress president Sachin Pilot claimed that the former IPL chief “institutionalised” corruption in the state during the previous term of the chief minister.

“The latest revelation that the then state government led by Raje in 2007 had recommended Lalit Modi’s name for Padma awards has again substantiated close relations of Raje with Modi,” Pilot was quoted in a statement.

“Corruption was institutionalised during the earlier BJP regime and Lalit Modi played very important and crucial role in flourishing corruption,” he claimed.