Cash-for-query case: Mahua Moitra asked to vacate official bungalow following Lok Sabha expulsion

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• Dec 12, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The committee has formally written to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, urging them to...

Digital Desk: Days after Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra's expulsion from the Lok Sabha over cash-for-query allegations, the Housing Committee of Parliament has taken action to oust her from her official bungalow. The committee has formally written to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, urging them to direct Moitra to vacate the premises.

Moitra faced expulsion on December 8 after the Lok Sabha endorsed the Ethics Committee's report, which found her guilty of accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman in exchange for posing questions in Parliament. The probe, initiated following a complaint by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, revealed Moitra's "unethical conduct" and contempt of the House, particularly for sharing her Lok Sabha website login credentials with unauthorized individuals. The Ethics Committee emphasized the national security implications of such actions.

Dubey alleged that Moitra targeted the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in her parliamentary queries at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, receiving gifts in return. The motion stated that Moitra's conduct was "unbecoming as a member of parliament" and termed it a "serious misdemeanor."

In response, Moitra has approached the Supreme Court, labeling her expulsion as "illegal" and accusing the government of weaponizing parliamentary panels to coerce the opposition. The 49-year-old leader equated the decision with a "kangaroo court" and asserted that the government was attempting to stifle opposition voices. The developments indicate an escalating political confrontation with Moitra challenging her expulsion through legal avenues.