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Lok Sabha Ethics Committee votes in favour of expelling TMC MP Mahua Moitra amidst controversial 'Cash-for-Query' allegations
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The Ethics Committee, which was probing into the alleged ‘cash-for-query’ charges leveled against Mahua Moitra, adopted the 500-page draft report proposing the expulsion of the TMC MP from the with a majority vote of 6-4, on Thursday. The report is slated to be presented to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday.
Emphasising the ‘seriousness’ of the charges flagged against Mahua Moitra, the Chairman of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee Vinod Sonkar said that the committee thoroughly examined the allegations, prepared a report and that the purpose of Thursday's meeting was to deliberate on the report and subsequently approve it.
Following the approbatory nod of the Ethics Committee on the draft report, several Opposition leaders came out in the TMC MP’s support. "This is a gross violation of the rules. You have only cross-questioned. After that, you should have held a meeting with the member of the panel to discuss. They have the majority and so they can do anything,” said JD(U) MP Giridhari Yadav.
"Everyone has seen how BJP stands with those who insult women, be it Unnao or Hathras or the Bilkis Bano case. But we can't tolerate a woman's insult,” said BSP MP Danish Ali lending his support to Mahua Moitra. Previously, the BSP MP had walked out of the Ethics Committee meeting with Mahua Moitra where she was summoned to depose before the panel. The TMC MP was allegedly asked ‘filthy questions’ in the meeting.
The 500-page draft report was released to the media and made public on Wednesday even before it was presented before the Ethics Committee. Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Moitra said that ‘Adani TV’ has accessed ‘a copy of Unethical Standing Committee Report BEFORE it is placed before Committee.’ “Glad to see Adani TV has a copy of Unethical Standing Committee Report BEFORE it is placed before Committee tomorrow. Just like Lok Pal referrals announced via the hired help. Modi Adani Bhai Bhai Sabh Institutions Bye Bye,” posted the TMC MP.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has accused Mahua Moitra of receiving bribes from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani. In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Dubey asserted that Moitra shared her official login details with Hiranandani and accepted payments to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi by posing questions about the Adani Group in Parliament. Moitra, who appeared before the Parliamentary committee investigating the allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, left the meeting in anger, claiming that she was subjected to inappropriate questioning. This led to other MPs following suit in solidarity with her.
Earlier today, TMC National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee extended his support to Mahua Moitra. “What happened to Ramesh Biduri who made communal slurs and insulted the parliament? There are several complaints against BJP MPs. I feel this step by the central government and what I read of the ethics committee report, they have said an investigation should happen against her. If you do not have anything against Mahua and it is the subject of investigation, then why has an expulsion been recommended? I feel Mahua is competent enough to fight her battles on her own. They have been victimizing me for four years too; it is their standard practice.”said Abhishek Banerjee.
