Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha over cash-for-query scandal

The Lok Sabha made an unusual decision on Friday, December 9, 2023. It passes a resolution expelled Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha due to her involvement in a cash-for-query scandal. Accordingly, the resolution, proposed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, stated that Ms. Moitra’s position as a Member of Parliament was no longer sustainable and her behavior was unprofessional for an MP. 

Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani accused Ms. Moitra, a vocal critic of the Narendra Modi government, of taking bribes, including cash and luxurious gifts, in exchange for asking questions in Parliament that targeted the Adani Group, a conglomerate with close ties to the ruling party. She faced charges of sharing her parliamentary credentials with Mr. Hiranandani, who allegedly posted the questions from Dubai using her login ID and password.

As per The Hindu news, Ms. Moitra’s expulsion was a result of the report from the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha, led by Vinod Kumar Sonkar. Subsequently, the committee found her guilty of “unethical conduct” and contempt towards the House. On Friday morning, the House tabled the report and adopted it within hours amid an Opposition walkout. Despite this, they did not allow Ms. Moitra to speak in the House. Mr. Hiranandani, on the other hand, called her expulsion “hanging by a Kangaroo court” while vehemently denying any wrongdoing.

Mahua Moitra stated that she had only received personal belongings from Mr. Hiranandani, She also referred to him as a “jilted ex” in this context. She accused the Ethics Committee of being biased and not adhering to the principles of natural justice.

The Opposition parties, including the Congress, condemned the expulsion of Ms. Moitra and accused the government of misusing its majority. They questioned the haste and secrecy with which the Ethics Committee reports. Accordingly, they did not give enough time for the members to study it or hear Ms. Moitra’s defense.

In October, Jai Anant Dehadrai revealed the cash-for-query scandal to the CBI and Lok Sabha Speaker. Basically, Ms. Moitra had allegedly accepted bribes from Mr. Hiranandani. She was accused of exchanging bribes for asking parliamentary questions against the Modi government and the Adani Group. Mr. Dehadrai stated that he feared for his safety after receiving threats from Ms. Moitra to withdraw his complaint. A similar one by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey followed his complaint. He demanded the immediate suspension of Ms. Moitra as a result of this Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha.

The Lok Sabha expelled a sitting MP over a cash-for-query allegation for the first time. The House took action in 2005, expelling 10 MPs for taking money to raise questions.

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