The Lok Sabha's Ethics Committee is scheduled to convene on November 7 to deliberate on the 'cash-for-query' allegations involving TMC MP Mahua Moitra and BJP's Nishikant Dubey. The committee, led by BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar, has concluded its investigation and is now preparing to present its recommendations after a recent session on November 2, where members aligned with their respective parties, PTI reported.
With BJP members holding the majority in the 15-member committee, there is an anticipation that they may view the allegations against Moitra with seriousness, particularly after she accused Sonkar of posing inappropriate and personal questions during their previous meeting, which led to her storming out along with opposition members. Dissent notes from the opposition members are also a possibility in the committee's final report to Speaker Om Birla.
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During the contentious November 2 meeting, all five opposition members left, alleging that Sonkar had asked Moitra invasive questions about her travels, hotel stays, and phone calls. Moitra later described the experience as a "proverbial vastraharan." However, the committee chairperson dismissed these claims as an attempt to protect her by unethically discrediting the proceedings.
The committee's report is expected to scrutinize Moitra's decision to leave the meeting, considering that she appeared before the panel as a subject of inquiry and did not have the privileges granted to its members. Dubey's accusations against Moitra involve her allegedly posing questions in the Lok Sabha aimed at targeting the Adani Group at the request of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in exchange for bribes. Moitra acknowledges that Hiranandani used her login details but denies any financial incentives, emphasizing that many MPs share their login credentials with others.
