Ethics Committee Gears Up to Conclude Cash-for-Query Row with Draft Report Adoption Today

Today, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is set to convene a crucial meeting to investigate the cash-for-query allegations involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, raised by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m., during which the committee will deliberate on the adoption of a final report it has prepared. Sources suggest that the committee has the authority to recommend the expulsion of Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha and may also take action against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali, who is a committee member.

Previously, Mahua Moitra appeared before the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee on November 2, facing allegations related to cash-for-query. However, she and other opposition members of the panel “walked out” of the meeting, contending that they were asked personal questions. These opposition members also expressed concerns about the line of questioning and asserted that “personal questions” were directed at the Trinamool Congress MP.

In a separate development, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claimed that the Lokpal, India’s anti-corruption ombudsman, has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry based on his complaint in the ‘Cash for Query’ dispute. In a social media post, Dubey stated, “Lokpal today, based on my complaint, ordered a CBI inquiry against MP Mahua ji, who committed corruption by mortgaging national security.”

In response, Mahua Moitra posted several messages on social media, targeting the Lokpal and suggesting that the CBI should first investigate the Adani group. She remarked, “Very happy to know Modiji’s Lok Pal exists – & been spurred into action….. why not ask Lok Pal’s office to release a statement on referral? Bit humiliating for LP office to outsource such important announcements.”

In an additional post, Moitra shared a video of herself playing football, with the caption “Kicking the ball fearlessly is what we do best. Nakashipara, Nadia 8.11.2023.”

Nishikant Dubey had previously filed a complaint with the Lokpal against Mahua Moitra on October 21. His ‘Cash for Query’ allegations contended that Moitra had accepted bribes from a Dubai-based businessman, Hiranandani, to raise questions in Parliament targeting the Adani Group. Dubey had written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, titled “Re-emergence of nasty ‘Cash for Query’ in Parliament,” seeking an investigation into his claims. He also asserted that Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai had provided him with evidence of alleged bribes. Both Dubey and Jai Dehadrai have appeared before the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee.