Explore the unfolding saga of Mahua Moitra’s expulsion amid bribery allegations in the ‘Cash-For-Query’ case. A detailed timeline revealing accusations, defiance, and Ethics Committee’s decisive actions.
Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra’s expulsion from the Lok Sabha reverberated through political circles following an Ethics Committee’s damning report implicating her in a ‘Cash-For-Query’ case. The accusations revolve around allegations of accepting cash and opulent gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing parliamentary questions that cast the Narendra Modi government in a negative light.
The chronicle of events traces back to October 14 when Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai filed a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and forwarded it to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, highlighting suspected corruption and money laundering.
Moitra vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing Dehadrai’s claims as those of a “jilted ex.” However, Dehadrai, expressing fears for his safety, alerted the Delhi Police, alleging coercion to retract his complaint.
The situation intensified as BJP MP Nishikant Dubey urged Moitra’s immediate suspension, accusing her of accepting bribes from Hiranandani. He alleged that Moitra’s parliamentary questions targeted PM Modi and the Adani Group, breaching privileges and potentially involving criminal conspiracy.
The Ethics Panel of Parliament took cognizance, summoning both Dubey and Dehadrai. Simultaneously, Hiranandani’s explosive affidavit claimed Moitra shared her parliamentary credentials, allowing him to pose questions targeting the Adani Group using her login from Dubai.
Moitra conceded to sharing her credentials but clarified the receipt of personal items, refuting any bribery claims. However, her defiance in facing the Ethics Committee’s summons and accusations of biased questioning escalated the conflict.
Despite Moitra’s attempts to address these accusations and walkouts from committee sessions, the Ethics Committee submitted a damning report to the Speaker. The report accused her of accepting “illegal gratifications” from Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions on his behalf, leading to a recommendation for her expulsion.
On December 8, chaos erupted in Parliament as the Ethics Committee’s report was tabled. Opposition members demanded access and debate before any decision. Amidst the commotion, Moitra’s expulsion ensued without granting her a chance to defend herself, based on alleged “unethical conduct.”
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of intricate political dynamics and allegations that have sparked heated debates within and outside Parliament. The repercussions of Moitra’s expulsion resonate deeply in the political landscape, shaping narratives and raising questions about accountability and ethical governance.
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