Betrayal of parliamentary democracy, says Mamata; Sujan sees ‘injustice’

Today marks a sad day and a betrayal of Indian parliamentary democracy," Mamata said during a press conference. 

PTI, DARJEELING/KOLKATA, DEC 8, 2023 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denounced the expulsion of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra from the LokSabha on Friday in connection with the 'cash- for-query' case and termed the move as a "betrayal" of India's parliamentary democracy. 

"It is a disgrace to Parliamentary democracy. We condemn the expulsion of Mahua Moitra; the party stands firmly with her. Unable to defeat us in elections, the BJP has resorted to vendetta politics. 

Today marks a sad day and a betrayal of Indian parliamentary democracy," Mamata said during a press conference. 

The TMC supremo accused the BJP of preventing Moitra from presenting her defence. Mamata highlighted the submission of a nearly 500-page report to Parliament, followed by a mere 30-minute window for all parties to discuss the matter and subsequently expel Moitra. 

"I fail to comprehend how members can thoroughly review 500 pages within 30 minutes. How can all speakers reach a decision? I condemn the way democracy has been undermined. Despite having a two-thirds majority in the assembly, we refrain from expelling anyone arbitrarily," she remarked. 

Expressing disappointment that Prime Minister NarendraModi did not intervene, Mamata said: "This is unfortunate and unacceptable. Moitra will emerge victorious in the next battle, and the people will deliver a resounding response and justice. They will face defeat in the upcoming election; I am fully convinced of this." 

The TMC supremo extended gratitude to the INDIA alliance leaders for supporting Moitra, stating: "I commend the INDIA alliance for standing united and resisting the BJP." "Nevertheless, she (Moitra) will return to Parliament with a stronger mandate. The BJP believes it can act with impunity due to its overwhelming majority. They should bear in mind that a day may come when they are no longer in power," Mamata warned. 

Meanwhile, The CPM on Friday claimed that Moitra’s expulsion from the LokSabha is a "black day" for the Parliament. Describing the action against Moitra as "overactiveness", CPM Central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said that it is a display of the BJP's use of its brute majority in the LokSabha. 

"It is a black day for the Parliament," Chakraborty said. Claiming that it is an act of "injustice", Chakraborty said that Moitra was not given a chance to cross-examine the complainant, BJP LokSabha member Nishikant Dubey.