Lok Sabha Ethics Committee recommends Mahua Moitra's expulsion from Lok Sabha

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 9

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee will meet at 4 pm on Thursday to finalise the draft report in the cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.

It is learnt that the draft report calls for strong action against Moitra and recommended her immediate expulsion from the Lok Sabha.

The draft report by the Ethics Committee states that what the TMC MP did was unethical, a breach of parliamentary privilege, and a contempt of the House.

It also mentions a contradiction between Moitra's and businessman Darshan Hiranandani's statements about the gifts and favours Moitra received from the Dubai-based tycoon.

It is learnt that the Ethics Committee’s draft report also notes that Hiranandani gave Moitra gifts, including a Hermes scarf, Bobbi Brown makeup and car to use during her travels.

Moitra has admitted to accepting gifts and using car made available by Hiranandani.

The IT Ministry has informed the Ethics Committee that the IP address used to operate Moitra's official login from Dubai was the same each time. The TMC MP had visited Dubai four times between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2023. But her Lok Sabha login credentials were used from Dubai 47 times.

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Ethics Committee that several documents, not available in public domain, can be accessed through the Lok Sabha portal. These include draft bills which are circulated in advance for the members' consideration. Such sensitive material could be leaked and exploited by anti-national elements, the MHA noted.

The Ethics Committee will also recommend action against BSP MP Danish Ali for his conduct during the last meeting of the Committee on November 2.

Moitra, who had appeared before the panel on November 2 to depose, walked out in a rage with the opposition members of the panel in tow.

The TMC MP accused panel chairman and BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar of asking her filthy and personal questions and alleged that she was subjected to "proverbial vastraharan" (disrobing) at the meeting.

The Opposition MPs who are part of the panel are expected to file dissent notes when the Committee meets later on Thursday.

The Ethics Committee would submit the report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Further action is expected to follow when Winter Session of Parliament commences next month.

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