A BJP MLA from West Bengal, Agnimitra Paul, has intensified the ongoing ‘cash-for-query’ controversy by targeting Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and questioning the awareness of her party chief, Mamata Banerjee, regarding the allegations. The allegations against Moitra revolve around her alleged acceptance of cash from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in Parliament, particularly linked to Gautam Adani.
Paul asserted, “TMC MP Mahua Moitra shared the login ID and password of Lok Sabha to Darshan Hiranandani. Sitting in Dubai, he is posting questions on the Lok Sabha portal. Mahua Moitra has accepted a bribe for asking a question about Adani in the Parliament. Wasn’t Mamata Banerjee aware of what her MP is doing?” She emphasized these claims in a statement to ANI.
The controversy deepened when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Mahua Moitra of sharing her official login credentials for the Lok Sabha website with the businessman. Dubey further alleged that her account was accessed from Dubai while Moitra was in India. The ethics panel of the Lok Sabha has summoned Nishikant Dubey to provide “oral evidence” in the ongoing investigation.
Initially, the Trinamool Congress had offered no official comment on the matter. However, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien issued a statement on Sunday, suggesting that the party would decide on the course of action following the parliament panel’s investigation.
Derek O’Brien stated, “The member concerned has been advised by the party leadership to clarify her position regarding the allegations leveled against her. She has already done that. However, since the matter has to do with an elected MP, her rights and privileges, let the matter be investigated by the right forum of Parliament, after which the party leadership will take an appropriate decision.”
Mahua Moitra herself has denied any wrongdoing in the controversy. In a statement posted on X, she invited the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to examine her possessions and humorously remarked, “I invite CBI to come home and count my pairs of shoes. But first please file an FIR into ₹13,000 crore coal money Adani stole from Indians.”
Moitra further explained that login credentials of MPs can be accessed by personal assistants, researchers, interns, and staff members.
Nishikant Dubey has taken the matter a step further by moving a complaint to the Lokpal against Mahua Moitra. The panel has also called upon Mahua Moitra’s friend, Jai Anant Deharai, to depose as part of the investigation. Deharai has independently lodged a complaint with the CBI against Moitra, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy.
Sources By Agencies
