The Lok Sabha has taken the significant decision to expel Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra following a report by the Ethics Committee that probed allegations of a ‘cash-for-query’ scandal against her. The charges revolved around accepting bribes, including a sum of ₹2 crore in cash and luxury gifts, reportedly from businessman Darshan Hiranandani. The accusations suggested a quid pro quo arrangement, where Moitra would pose critical questions in Parliament in exchange for the monetary gains.
The explosive report also highlighted Moitra’s alleged act of providing her parliamentary website login credentials to Hiranandani. This action allowed him direct access to post questions on her behalf. Moitra, known for her vocal criticism of the Modi government, denied the bribery allegations but admitted to sharing the login details.
The decision to expel Moitra followed a heated discussion in the Lok Sabha, where Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the acceptance of the Ethics Committee’s findings. The report labeled Moitra’s conduct as “immoral and indecent,” leading to her expulsion from the Parliament.
The move was met with strong opposition from Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who condemned it as “unacceptable,” attributing it to the BJP’s alleged vendetta politics. Banerjee expressed confidence in Moitra’s eventual victory, highlighting the upcoming general elections as a battleground for justice and change.
The Ethics Committee’s detailed report, nearly 500 pages long, triggered intense confrontations between the ruling BJP and opposition members. The opposition demanded more time to review the report and pushed for Moitra to be given an opportunity to speak. However, Speaker Om Birla referenced a past incident in 2005 involving the expulsion of 10 MPs, refusing to grant Moitra permission to address the House.
Moitra, reacting to her expulsion, criticized the Ethics Committee’s procedures, accusing it of disregarding established norms. She also speculated on potential harassment by agencies, suggesting that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) might be sent to her home.
The report concluded that Moitra’s acceptance of illegal gratification and sharing log-in details with a businessman amounted to unethical and criminal conduct unbecoming of an MP. It recommended both her expulsion from the Lok Sabha and a government-led legal inquiry.
As the controversy deepens, Moitra’s expulsion sparks debate and tensions between political parties, setting the stage for a potentially contentious lead-up to the upcoming general elections.
Sources By Agencies
