Amidst the serenity of nature’s motions, another narrative unfolds in the realm of parliamentary affairs. A report from the Ethics Committee recommending the expulsion of TMC MP Mahua Moitra in a “cash-for-query” case is scheduled for tabling in the Lok Sabha on a Friday, adding a political undertone to the day’s events.

In this intricate tapestry of events, Lok Sabha Ethics Committee member Aparajita Sarangi, representing Bhubaneswar, is slated to table the report. Interestingly, the report had earlier found its place on the agenda for December 4 but remained untabled, raising anticipation and speculation. The potential tabling of this report carries the weight of potential stormy scenes in the House, adding a layer of suspense to the unfolding drama.

Last week, during the customary all-party meeting, TMC leaders voiced their demand for a discussion on the report before any decision is made regarding Moitra’s expulsion from the House. The House panel is actively investigating BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s allegations that Moitra accepted bribes and favours for posing questions in the Lok Sabha at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani.

In a letter to the ethics panel, Moitra, who vehemently rejects the allegations, sought permission to cross-examine both the alleged ‘bribe giver’ Hiranandani and the complainant, Advocate Jai Dehadrai. This adds a layer of legal intricacy to the unfolding drama, turning the parliamentary affair into a courtroom-like scenario.

The accusations against Moitra unfold in a sequence of events:

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Allegations:

On October 15, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Moitra of engaging in a ‘cash-for-query’ scheme, alleging that she took bribes to protect the interests of a business group. Dubey urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to set up a committee to probe the allegations, calling for Moitra’s suspension from the House until the panel submitted its report. In response, Moitra urged the Speaker to first probe the “multiple breaches of privileges pending against Dubey and other BJP leaders” before taking any action against her.

Hiranandani’s Affidavit:

On October 19, Darshan Hiranandani, CEO of the Hiranandani Group, filed an affidavit to the Ethics Committee, claiming that Moitra provided him with her Parliament login and password. According to Hiranandani, this allowed him to “post questions” directly “on her behalf when required.” The affidavit suggested a political motive, stating that Moitra sought to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi by targeting businessman Gautam Adani and his group.

Read more:- Mahua Moitra Slams Ethics Panel Chief

Dubey and Dehadrai Before the Ethics Panel:

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee commenced its examination of the cash-for-query allegations, hearing from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai. Dubey’s letters to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw sought investigations into Moitra’s log-in credentials for Lok Sabha. The Committee chairman, BJP MP Vinod Sonkar, later announced Moitra’s summons for October 31.

Moitra’s Request for a Later Date:

Moitra, in a letter to the Committee chairman, requested a date after November 5 due to her pre-scheduled Vijaya Dashmi programs. She raised concerns about the premature announcement of her summons on live TV and emphasized the release of complaints and affidavits to the media.

Moitra’s Admission and Delhi HC Proceedings:

On October 27, Moitra admitted to providing her login and password details to Hiranandani but denied taking any cash. She clarified that it was for someone in Hiranandani’s office to type questions on her behalf. Subsequently, Moitra sought permission from the Delhi High Court to remove several media houses from her lawsuit related to defamatory content. The court allowed her to proceed against only two defendants, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai.

Moitra’s Letter to Lok Sabha Speaker:

Ahead of her appearance before the Ethics Committee, Moitra wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his protection and intervention in the snooping controversy. She highlighted the threat notifications from Apple, alleging state-sponsored attacks on Opposition leaders’ iPhones.

Moitra’s Appearance Before Ethics Panel:

Moitra appeared before the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee on November 2. The meeting witnessed stormy scenes, with Moitra walking out with Opposition members, accusing chairman Vinod Kumar Sonkar of undignified questioning. Moitra later described the proceedings as an orchestrated attempt to humiliate her.

Ethics Panel Meeting Deferred:

Moitra, on November 7, claimed that the meeting of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee was postponed to coincide with a Congress member filing his nomination from Telangana, potentially reducing Opposition numbers. The meeting was rescheduled for November 9.

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Ethics Panel Adopts Report:

On November 9, the Ethics Committee adopted its draft report, recommending Moitra’s expulsion for “unethical conduct” and “serious misdemeanours.” The committee suggested an intense, legal, institutional inquiry by the government due to the highly objectionable nature of Moitra’s conduct. The report saw a majority vote from the ruling NDA and one Congress member, with dissent notes submitted by Opposition MPs.

CBI Probe Into Lokpal Complaint:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began probing a complaint sent by Lokpal regarding the cash-for-query allegations against Moitra, adding a layer of legal scrutiny beyond parliamentary proceedings.

Upcoming Tabling of Ethics Committee Report:

The report of the Ethics Committee, now recommending Moitra’s expulsion, is listed for tabling in the Lok Sabha on a Friday. This development, initially slated for December 4, adds to the anticipation, with opposition members insisting on a full-fledged discussion before any decision is made.

This intricate sequence of events weaves a complex narrative, blending natural occurrences with the nuanced dynamics of parliamentary affairs and legal proceedings. The juxtaposition of seismic tremors and political tremors creates a unique tapestry, underscoring the multifaceted nature of our societal landscape. As the nation navigates through these developments, the human stories behind the headlines come to the forefront, each character playing a role in this unfolding drama.

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