New Delhi: The controversy over Sushma Swaraj helping former IPL chief Lalit Modi continued to billow as senior Congress leader and former union finance minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday accused the external affairs minister of "nepotism" and abuse of authority even as the government reiterated its stand that she had committed no impropriety.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Chidambaram also asked the government about the steps it has taken to bring back the former IPL chief, who faces an Enforcement Directorate notice for alleged financial impropriety. Chidambaram said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has confirmed that the Enforcement Directorate was investigating 16 cases against Modi and show cause notice was issued in 15 cases.