Cash-for-query case: Mahua Moitra, Oppn MPs walk out of Lok Sabha ethics panel meeting; claimed personal questions asked

Mahua Moitra/ X

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who was summoned by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee to address a cash-for-query case against her, along with several opposition members, "walked out" of the meeting on Thursday afternoon, stated agency reports. Opposition members expressed concerns regarding the nature of questioning, citing "personal questions" directed at the Trinamool Congress MP.

Among those who exited the meeting were BSP MP Danish Ali, Janata Dal (United) MP Giridhari Yadav, and Congress MP Uttam Kumar Reddy, the reports stated.

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Giridhari Yadav was quoted as stating, "They asked personal questions to the woman (Mahua Moitra). They do not have the right to ask personal questions, so we walked out."

Reportedly, Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that their queries concerning the BJP MP who filed the complaint, and their supposed access to certain information, remained unanswered.

He expressed scepticism about the impartiality of the Parliament Ethics Committee Chairman, stating, "The whole line of questions it seems that he's acting on somebody's behest. It is very, very bad. For two days, we have been asking him some things. They are asking her (Mahua Moitra) where are you travelling? Where are you meeting? Can you give us your phone records? There is no evidence of any cash transfer."

Earlier on Thursday morning, Mahua Moitra appeared before the Ethics Committee in connection with alleged 'Cash for Query' accusations. The allegations against her stem from BJP MP Nishkant Dubey and Advocate Jai Dehadrai. The Ethics Committee is chaired by BJP MP Vinod Sonkar.

Moitra had previously been summoned on October 31, however, she requested a summons date after November 5 due to pre-scheduled Vijaya Dashmi programs but was instructed to appear on November 2.

The 'Cash for Query' charges claimed that Moitra accepted bribes from a Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani to raise questions in Parliament targetting the Adani Group. Both Dubey and Jai Dehadrai have appeared before the panel to substantiate their claims.

Moitra made her letter to the Ethics Committee chairman public highlighting her right to cross-examine Dehadrai, who, according to her, provided no documentary evidence to support his allegations.