LS ethics panel recommends Mahua’s expulsion in 'cash-for-query' matter; prejudiced, say Oppn MPs

 TMC comes out strongly in support of party MP

PTI, New Delhi, Nov 9, 2023 : The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee on Thursday recommended the expulsion of TMC MP Mahua Moitra from the House in the “cash-for-query” matter, sources said.

This is perhaps the first time the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha has recommended the expulsion of an MP, a retired Lok Sabha Secretariat official said.

The committee, headed by BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar, met here and adopted its report recommending Moitra’s expulsion.

After the meeting, Sonkar told reporters that six members of the panel supported adoption of the report and four opposed it.

Four opposition members said the panel’s recommendation was “prejudiced” and “incorrect”.

According to sources, Preneet Kaur, a Congress MP, is believed to have voted in support of the report.

Sources said the panel recommended Moitra’s expulsion from the Lok Sabha.

Former secretary general of the Lok Sabha P D T Achary said this is perhaps the first time the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has recommendation the expulsion of an MP.

In 2005, 11 MPs were expelled from Parliament in another “cash-for-query” case but those expulsions were recommended by the Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee and a Lok Sabha Inquiry Committee.

Achary said the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee report will now be sent to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The speaker may order that it be published, he said.

During the next session of Parliament, the committee chairman will table the report in the House and thereafter there will be a debate on it, followed by a vote on a government motion for the member’s expulsion, Achary said.

The committee had earlier heard Moitra, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who filed the complaint against her, and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai.

Based on information shared by Dehadrai, the BJP MP accused Moitra of asking questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts.

Moitra has denied the charge of receiving any pecuniary benefit. 

The ruling TMC today came out in strong support of its party MP, embroiled in a 'cash-for-query' controversy, with Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee claiming that whoever questioned the government was "harassed" by the BJP-led NDA dispensation at the Centre. 

Banerjee who was speaking to reporters after appearing before the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an ongoing probe into the alleged school jobs scam in the state, also questioned how a Parliamentary committee could consider acting against her even before accusations against Moitra were proven. 

"Whoever is questioning the government on the Adani issue is being harassed. How can the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee take any action against Mahua Moitra even before the allegations are proved against her," Banerjee asked.

The TMC party has while supporting Moitra, till now has had a hands-off approach and at one stage even said it would await the Ethics committee's report on the issue. 

Banerjee's unequivocal support today seems to indicate the regional party will put all its weight behind her in the battle ahead for the MP who is combatting allegations of cash-for-questions. 

The TMC leader lauded Moitra for being capable enough to fight the battle.