Hummingbird News Desk
NEW DELHI, 28 OCT: The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has turned down Trinamul Congress MP Mahua Moitra’s request for an extension and scheduled her appearance on 2 November, regarding the alleged ‘Cash for Query’ scandal. Moitra, who had sought additional time until 5 November, was directed to confirm her appearance by 31 October. The decision was communicated to her after she expressed her unavailability due to pre-scheduled meetings in her constituency.
In a communication from the Privileges and Ethics Branch of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Moitra was informed that any further requests for rescheduling the hearing would not be entertained due to the gravity of the matter, which implicates the dignity of Parliament and its members. The Ethics Committee, chaired by BJP MP Vinod Sonkar, will be investigating a complaint filed against Moitra by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
Moitra, in her letter to the Ethics Committee, had also requested the right to cross-examine Darshan Hiranandani, the businessman central to the ‘Cash for Query’ scandal. She urged the committee to summon Hiranandani and provide a verified list of alleged gifts and favors reportedly provided to her.
Meanwhile, Dubey has raised concerns about potential attempts to influence witnesses in the ongoing scandal. He, along with Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, had submitted oral evidence to the Ethics Committee last Thursday. Dubey had initially written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging Moitra’s involvement in the scandal and providing evidence supporting his claims.
The ‘Cash for Query’ controversy has gripped the attention of the nation, raising questions about the integrity of parliamentary proceedings. As the Ethics Committee moves forward with the investigation, the eyes of the public remain focused on the upcoming hearing and its potential implications for the political landscape.
Tags: #LokSabha #EthicsCommittee #MahuaMoitra #OmBirla
