Mahua Moitra, a member of the Trinamool Congress, recently faced expulsion from the Lok Sabha due to corruption allegations. The Ethics Committee investigated the ‘cash for query’ charges against her and recommended her expulsion, citing her actions as “highly objectionable, unethical, heinous, and criminal.”
Following the committee’s report, a voice vote in the Lok Sabha led to her expulsion. The Speaker, Om Birla, stated that the House accepted the committee’s conclusions about Ms. Moitra’s conduct being immoral and indecent, deeming it inappropriate for her to continue as an MP.
Despite protests from some Opposition leaders, Mahua Moitra was not allowed to speak on the matter in Parliament. She accused the parliamentary ethics committee of breaking rules and expressed concerns about potential harassment, saying, “Tomorrow, the CBI will be sent to my home to harass me.”
Ms. Moitra, allotted an official residence under a special quota by the Urban Development Ministry, may now face eviction. The Lok Sabha’s housing committee has written to the ministry, initiating procedures to ask her to vacate the official residence.
Accused of accepting bribes, including ₹2 crore in cash and luxury gifts, from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing critical questions in parliament, Mahua Moitra denies the charges. Hiranandani claimed she requested favors, including luxury gifts, for asking specific questions. In response, Ms. Moitra has challenged her expulsion in the Supreme Court.
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