Mahua Moitra Lambasts Ethics Panel, Claims Fabricated Evidence, Targeting for Adani Criticism

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra, expelled from the Lok Sabha in the ‘cash-for-query’ case, lashed out at the ethics committee for acting without proof, stating it had become a tool to suppress the Opposition. Moitra claimed the committee’s report, recommending her expulsion, lacked evidence and relied on contradictory statements from two private citizens.

Moitra accused her estranged partner, Jai Anant Dehadrai, of posing as a common citizen with malicious intent during the ethics committee proceedings. She lamented the lack of cross-examination opportunities and accused the committee of a hasty decision without tangible evidence.

In a scathing attack, Moitra asserted that the government’s aim was to silence her on issues like the Adani controversy. She predicted harassment by the CBI and questioned the focus on her actions rather than the alleged Rs 13,000 crore Adani coal scam.

The Opposition, including TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, condemned Moitra’s expulsion, labelling it an attack on democracy. They criticized the ethics panel and accused the BJP-led government of undermining constitutional rights.

Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi called the expulsion politically motivated, while Congress leader Supriya Shrinate decried the denial of Moitra’s chance to speak, alleging the BJP’s fear of strong women. Other opposition leaders echoed these sentiments, terming Moitra’s expulsion a draconian act and a black day in Parliament.

The ‘cash-for-query’ case originated from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s accusations against TMC of receiving cash and gifts in exchange for parliamentary questions. Moitra admitted sharing her login details but walked out of the ethics committee meeting, citing inappropriate questions. The committee’s report led to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.