The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is currently investigating allegations of bribery and unethical questioning against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, citing potential implications for national security. The committee has proposed her expulsion from the Lok Sabha due to these ‘cash for query’ allegations, characterizing her conduct as “immoral” and “heinous.”
Cash for Query Scandal Ethics Committee Investigating MP Mahua Moitra
The committee, led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar, is set to meet to accept its draft report, with opposition members expected to strongly oppose the recommendations. The draft report condemns Moitra’s actions as highly objectionable, unethical, heinous, and potentially criminal, while also urging the government to initiate a timely legal and institutional investigation into the matter.
In the draft report, the government is called upon to investigate alleged financial transactions between Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani. The committee also recommends censuring Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali for distorting the questions posed to Moitra during the last meeting on November 2.
Draft Report Recommends Expulsion for ‘Immoral’ Conduct
The allegations against Moitra involve claims by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey that she posed questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group on behalf of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts. The Ethics Committee, consisting of 15 members, including representatives from various political parties, is currently scrutinizing the case.
While Moitra and opposition members have accused the committee chairman of asking personal and indecent questions, the committee disputes these claims and stands by its investigation. Moitra admitted to Hiranandani using her MP login but denied any financial gain, stating that many MPs share their login details.
The Ethics Committee’s recommendation for Moitra’s expulsion is a significant development in this ongoing scandal, with political tensions surrounding the case continuing to escalate.
