Amid the escalating controversy surrounding alleged breaches in parliamentary confidentiality, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has taken aim at Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. Dubey, sharing a snippet from a government bulletin outlining parliamentary rules, highlighted the necessity of maintaining the confidentiality of questions and answers until their official disclosure in the House.
Taking to social media, Dubey emphasized the far-reaching consequences of breaching confidentiality, citing potential impacts on stock markets, national security, and foreign relations. Moitra faces allegations of permitting businessman Darshan Hiranandani to submit Parliament questions via her online portal in exchange for favors, a charge initially raised by Dubey.
The issue prompted a complaint from Dubey to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, triggering an ethics committee investigation. The committee has recommended Moitra’s expulsion following allegations. Hiranandani admitted to using Moitra’s login details, calling it an error in judgment, while Moitra maintained the absence of regulations regarding login credential sharing.
The snapshots shared by Dubey highlighted the confidentiality of member portal access and urged MPs to refrain from sharing question details until the Question Hour concludes.
Describing the situation as ‘chori aur seenazori’ (defensive actions post-wrongdoing), Dubey criticized Moitra, suggesting she might not have been properly briefed by her personal assistant, Hiranandani.
In response to the controversy, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has revised protocols for online portal access. The update restricts personal assistants from directly posting questions, allowing them only to save drafts. Lawmakers are now required to submit and file these notices from their own accounts.
Sources By Agencies