The parliamentary Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into allegations of “cash for query” against Trinamool Congress MP, Mahua Moitra.
As part of their quest for transparency, the committee has written to the Union IT and Home ministries, seeking details of Moitra’s travel history and login activities.
These investigations aim to verify claims that she allowed businessman Darshan Hiranandani to access her parliamentary login and post questions on her behalf to target the government and the Adani Group.
The Allegations and Investigation
It all started when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to initiate an inquiry into the allegations against Mahua Moitra.
This request came on the heels of a complaint filed by lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai to the Supreme Court. Mr. Dehadrai claims to possess “irrefutable evidence” that Darshan Hiranandani had bribed Moitra to ask questions critical of the Adani Group.
As a result, the Ethics Committee held its first hearing, wherein both Dubey and Dehadrai presented their case.
The Ethics Committee has approached the Union IT and Home ministries to gather crucial details about Mahua Moitra’s logins and locations.
By obtaining this information, the committee hopes to verify the allegations against her. It is alleged that she allowed Darshan Hiranandani to access her parliamentary login, which enabled him to directly post questions in the Lok Sabha.
To dig deeper into this matter, the committee is keen to ascertain the authenticity of an affidavit submitted by Hiranandani, who resides in Dubai.
This affidavit claims that Moitra shared her Lok Sabha e-mail ID with Hiranandani, enabling him to send information targeting the Adani Group for her to raise in parliament.
The Path Forward
During the hearing, the Ethics Committee made it clear that it would not call any further witnesses after listening to Mahua Moitra’s side of the story.
The committee aims to submit its report by early November, outlining its findings and conclusions.
Moitra, who vehemently denies all allegations against her, is willing to answer any questions posed by the committee. This signifies her commitment to transparency and accountability.
The outcome of this investigation will have far-reaching implications for Mahua Moitra’s political career and the Trinamool Congress party.
If the allegations are proven true, it could severely tarnish Moitra’s reputation and raise doubts about her integrity.
Additionally, this case raises concerns about the misuse of parliamentary logins and the potential involvement of external entities in shaping parliamentary proceedings.
The investigation’s findings will shed light on these matters and determine the consequences for all parties involved.
