Lok Sabha panel summons Mahua Moitra on October 31 in 'Cash for Query' scandal
New Delhi, October 26: The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha has taken a step in the ongoing 'cash-for-query' scandal by summoning Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. She is scheduled to appear before the committee on October 31 to provide her testimony regarding the bribery allegations made against her.
During the recent committee meeting, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, who have accused Mahua Moitra of accepting bribes in exchange for asking questions aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, were cross-examined.
#WATCH | Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai arrives at Parliament to appear before the Ethics Committee in regard to the complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against TMC MP Mahua Moitra alleging that she has "a direct involvement in 'cash for query' in Parliament" pic.twitter.com/XDeJ7pvrRZ — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2023
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The panel, which has been investigating these serious allegations, conducted a thorough examination of the claims. After the cross-examination of the lawyer and Nishikant Dubey, it was decided that Mahua Moitra would be called to present her side of the story on October 31. The committee also intends to reach out to the IT Ministry and MHA to acquire additional details as part of its inquiry.
Jai Anant Dehadrai, who was previously associated with Mahua Moitra and has been referred to by her as a "jilted-ex," was extensively questioned by the panel. Nishikant Dubey, during his appearance, was asked if he had raised these allegations against Moitra as retaliation for her accusation of possessing a fake degree.
The Ethics Committee is treating these allegations against Mahua Moitra with utmost seriousness. The controversy began when Nishikant Dubey submitted a formal complaint to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, citing evidence provided by Jai Anant Dehadrai. The complaint alleged that Moitra had shared her login credentials for the Lok Sabha's official website with businessman Darshan Hiranandani, allowing him to post questions directly in Parliament.
In the complaint, Dubey referred to evidence presented by the lawyer, who had a close association with Moitra before their falling out. These documents, according to Dubey, substantiated claims of bribes being exchanged between Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani. In response, Moitra dismissed the allegations as falsehoods from a disgruntled former associate and accused the Adani Group of targeting her to prevent her from raising questions about the conglomerate. She also accused the BJP of conspiring to oust her from the Lok Sabha.
In a significant turn of events, businessman Darshan Hiranandani later submitted an affidavit acknowledging that he had access to Mahua Moitra's login credentials.
Nishikant Dubey expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Ethics Committee, stating, "I will respond to any questions they pose, and I will appear before the committee when called upon. Documents do not lie. The crucial question now is whether Mahua is involved in wrongdoing or not."
- With inputs from agencies
