A political furor has erupted as BJP leader Amit Malviya criticizes Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, following allegations of bribery linked to parliamentary questions. The controversy has raised questions not only about Moitra but also about the stance of the Trinamool Congress.
The accusations involve Moitra allegedly accepting ₹2 crore in cash from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in parliament. Late in the evening, Amit Malviya took to social media, suggesting that the Trinamool Congress has effectively distanced itself from Moitra amidst the ongoing controversy.
Malviya pointed out that Trinamool Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has maintained a conspicuous silence whenever the party’s leaders face legal issues. He emphasized the absence of public support for Moitra from her own party, stating, “It is not surprising that Mamata Banerjee has abandoned Mahua Moitra. She will defend no one else but Abhishek Banerjee, who is no less delinquent… Several TMC leaders are in jail on serious corruption and criminal charges but Mamata Banerjee has maintained radio silence.”
In response, Trinamool Congress has chosen not to comment on the situation, with party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh asserting, “The party has nothing to say on this issue. We think the person around whom this controversy is revolving is best suited to react to this.”
Party sources indicate that Trinamool is opting to remain at a distance from the controversy, perhaps reflecting a cautious approach to maintain its stance.
The allegations against Mahua Moitra claim she received a significant sum from Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting a thorough investigation into these allegations, as well as claims that Moitra provided Hiranandani with her parliamentary login credentials.
Mr. Dubey has taken the matter further by writing to the Lokpal, urging an investigation into the actions of the Trinamool Congress MP. In his complaint, he references a letter from Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, which provides detailed evidence against Moitra.
The businessman at the center of the allegations, Darshan Hiranandani, alleges that Moitra frequently demanded gifts and favors from him, including luxury items. He further claims that Moitra provided him with her parliamentary login credentials and suggested that attacking the Adani Group was a means to gain notoriety.
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, chaired by Vinod Sonkar, acknowledges the gravity of these allegations and plans to conduct a thorough examination. The committee will review Mr. Dubey’s letter and Mr. Hiranandani’s affidavit before also hearing Moitra’s perspective. Moitra has vehemently denied the charges and expressed her readiness to cooperate with any inquiry.
As the controversy surrounding Mahua Moitra unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the complex intersection of politics, ethics, and the role of parliamentary representatives in India’s democratic system.
Siources By Agencies