Mahua Moitra Ethics Committee Controversy: During the meeting, the Committee Chairman reportedly asked intrusive and personal questions, such as whom Mahua Moitra talks to at night.
Mahua Moitra Ethics Committee Controversy: In response to the uproar, the Ethics Committee’s chief, Vinod Sonkar, pointed out that the opposition members had used objectionable language against the panel and him.
New Delhi, 02 November(City Times): Mahua Moitra Ethics Committee Controversy: The controversy surrounding TMC MP Mahua Moitra and her appearance before the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has created a stir in the political landscape. On Thursday, November 2, Mahua Moitra and several other opposition MPs walked out of the Ethics Committee’s questioning. Their objections revolved around what they considered to be unethical questions posed by the Committee’s Chairman. Let’s delve into the details and explore the allegations, responses, and implications of this incident.
Unraveling the Accusations
TMC MP controversy began with allegations that Mahua Moitra accepted money and used it to influence the questions she asked in Parliament. These claims prompted the Ethics Committee to investigate the matter. However, the questioning session quickly turned into a contentious affair.
During Lok Sabha Ethics Committee investigation Ethics Committee Chairman questions irritated Moitra. During the meeting, the Committee Chairman reportedly asked intrusive and personal questions, such as whom Mahua Moitra talks to at night. Understandably, this line of questioning angered the TMC MP and other opposition members who questioned the ethical standards of the Committee itself. They asked, “What kind of ethics committee is this, which is asking unethical questions?”
The Committee’s Perspective
In response to the uproar, the Ethics Committee’s chief, Vinod Sonkar, pointed out that the opposition members had used objectionable language against the panel and him. Additionally, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey asserted that the Ethics Committee had a responsibility to question Mahua Moitra based on the claims made in the affidavit of Darshan Hiranandani.
Ethics panel member Aparajita Sarangi noted that Mahua Moitra displayed anger and arrogance when asked about Darshan’s affidavit.
Mahua Moitra allegations and response
Mahua Moitra, on her part, maintained her innocence. She argued that the controversy arose due to strained personal relations with lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai. To support her case, various ministries, including the Home, IT, and External Affairs Ministries, submitted reports to the Ethics Committee. These reports formed the basis of her questioning.
According to reports, the IT Ministry revealed that Mahua Moitra’s ID had been logged in from Dubai on at least 47 occasions. This revelation led to further scrutiny by the Ethics Committee.
Mahua Moitra vehemently defended herself, stating, “I will destroy all the lies on 2nd November.” She contended that had she accepted even a single rupee, the BJP would have promptly imprisoned her. She insisted that the Ethics Committee lacked criminal jurisdiction.
Jai Anant Dehadrai involvement
Jai Anant Dehadrai, the Supreme Court lawyer who filed the complaint against Mahua in the cash-for-query case, refrained from commenting on the ongoing matter. He emphasized that the case was still in court, and it would be premature to reveal the truth. He hinted that when the right time comes, he would disclose the facts.
Cross-examination demand in ethics case
Mahua Moitra made a significant demand, requesting a cross-examination of businessman Darshan Hiranandani and Supreme Court lawyer Jai Ananth Dehadrai. She wrote a letter to the Ethics Committee, emphasizing that both Hiranandani and Dehadrai had not provided sufficient proof of the allegations against her. Therefore, she sought to exercise her right to cross-examine both individuals.
The Ethics Committee’s Role
Mahua Moitra also highlighted that the Ethics Committee was not the appropriate venue to investigate private matters. She pointed out that the Committee had not held any meetings since 2021 and had yet to establish a model code of conduct. If there were criminal charges against her, the relevant investigating agencies should handle the inquiry, as the Ethics Committee was not suited to investigate private affairs.
The Background of the Controversy
The controversy initiated when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Mahua Moitra of receiving money and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in Parliament. Subsequently, the Lok Sabha Speaker referred the matter to the Ethics Committee for investigation.
Nishikant Dubey escalated the allegations on October 21 by insinuating that Mahua Moitra had compromised the nation’s security for monetary gain. He claimed that her Parliament ID had been used from Dubai, even though she was in India at the time. The National Informatics Center (NIC) provided this information to the investigating agency.
Mahua Moitra’s Parliamentary Involvement
Mahua Moitra’s active role as an MP was also scrutinized. Since becoming an MP in 2019, she posed 62 questions related to 28 central ministries in Parliament, covering various topics like petroleum, agriculture, shipping, civil aviation, and railways. Notably, she asked nine questions related to the Adani Group, raising questions about her intentions and affiliations.
This controversy surrounding Mahua Moitra and the Ethics Committee investigation continues to be a matter of great interest and debate in the Indian political arena. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and what consequences it may have for all parties involved.
