Lok Sabha’s ethics committee has granted TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s request to reschedule her deposition in the “cash-for-query” scam. However, the committee has emphasized that there will be no further postponements of the deposition. Moitra recently admitted that she had shared her Parliament login details with businessman Darshan Hiranandani, who supported the claims made against her. As a result, the committee has rescheduled her appearance from October 31 to November 2. Moitra had initially requested a deferral due to her constituency engagements until November 4.
The case against Mahua Moitra took an interesting turn when she publicly acknowledged sharing her Parliament login ID with Hiranandani. This businessman had filed an affidavit supporting the claims made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and advocate Jay Anant Dehadrai, who accused Moitra of asking questions targeting the Adani Group at the behest of its business rival Hiranandani in exchange for favors.
In response to the case, the TMC, which had kept quiet on the matter, appeared to come out in Moitra’s support, dismissing the parliamentary probe as “politically motivated”.
While admitting to sharing her Lok Sabha ID with Hiranandani, Moitra denied accepting any cash. However, Dubey argued that her denial does not diminish the seriousness of the case against her. He shared a copy of the contract that MPs sign with the National Informatics Centre, which states that sharing login details with others constitutes a breach of national security and is forbidden.
Nishikant Dubey continued to criticize Moitra, stating that the country deserved to know how an MP had compromised herself. He called for an inquiry and prompt action, as he believed that the case involved national security and corruption. Dubey also alleged that there were attempts to influence witnesses amidst the “cash-for-query” row and urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take action.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur also criticized Moitra for skipping the ethics committee hearing and asserted that denials and absences would not help her if she had committed irregularities. Thakur emphasized the importance of attending the committee hearing and making one’s case, regardless of whether one admits to any mistakes.
In the latest development, the ethics committee has informed Moitra that no further requests for extension or rescheduling of her appearance would be entertained. The committee noted the seriousness of the matter, which affects the dignity of Parliament and its members.
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