According to sources, the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha has summoned Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra to appear before it on October 31 regarding the cash-for-query allegation against her.
Mahua Moitra has been facing allegations of taking bribes for raising questions in Parliament. The summons was issued to the Trinamool leader hours after Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee convened its first meeting over the issue earlier in the day.
The Lok Sabha panel also recorded the statement of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and complainant Nishikant Dubey and Supreme Court attorney Jai Anant Dehadrai, who alleged that Mahua Moitra accepted bribes in exchange for posing inquiries aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani in Parliament.
Cash-for-Query Row Erupts as Evidence Surfaces Against Mahua Moitra
In his complaint to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Biral, Nishikant Dubey cited documents shared by Dehadrai. The BJP leader also claimed that 50 of 61 questions she (Mahua Moitra) asked in the Lok Sabha till recently were focused on the Adani Group.
Subsequently, Biral forwarded this issue to the committee led by BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar.
Dubey claims that the lawyer, who was previously affiliated with Moitra but had a disagreement, has provided undeniable evidence of bribery exchanges between her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani, with the alleged intention of implicating the Prime Minister and the Adani Group.
“I will reply to whatever questions they ask me. I will appear before the committee whenever it asks me. Documents don’t lie. Now the question is whether Mahua is a thief or not,” Dubey said before meeting the ethics panel.
Also Read: Pune: Army jawan attacks traffic cop with cement block
Trinamool Congress Responds to Mahua Moitra’s Accusations
On the other hand, Mahua Moitra has refuted all the accusations made against her, describing them as falsehoods from a former associate with a grudge. She also alleged that the Adani Group is singling her out to prevent her from scrutinizing their activities and accused the BJP of scheming to oust her from the Lok Sabha.
Reacting to the allegations, Trinamool Congress stated that let matter be investigated by the right forum of Parliament. The party, led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has also advised Mahua Moitra to clarify her position regarding the allegations.
“We have taken note of media reports. The party leadership has advised the concerned member to address the allegations made against her, which she has already done. Given that this involves an elected MP, we believe the appropriate course of action is to have the matter investigated by the appropriate parliamentary forum. Subsequently, the party leadership will make a suitable decision,” stated TMC MP Derek O’Brien on Sunday.
Also Read: PM Modi to Grace Jan 22 Ram Temple Inauguration Ceremony