Government Set To Introduce Motion For Expulsion Of Mahua Moitra In Parliament: Sources

In a significant development, a motion to expel Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra from Parliament will be introduced at 2 pm, according to government sources. This move comes after the Ethics Committee’s report on ‘cash-for-query’ charges against Moitra found allegations of accepting illegal gratification to be “clearly established and undeniable,” deeming her conduct “unethical and unbecoming of a Member of Parliament.”

The report has ignited a tense standoff between the ruling BJP and the opposition, leading to disruptions in the Lok Sabha, which was adjourned until 2 pm. Moitra can only be expelled if the House votes in favor of the committee’s report, which labeled her actions as “highly objectionable, unethical, heinous, and criminal.”

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Earlier today, Moitra, displaying confidence, entered Parliament, stating, “Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge…Jab naash manuj par chhata hai, pehle vivek mar jaata hai” (Mother Durga has come! Now we will see… when destruction comes, conscience dies first).

#WATCH | TMC MP Mahua Moitra says, “Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge…Jab naash manuj par chhata hai, pehle vivek mar jaata hai. They have started ‘vastraharan’ and now you will watch ‘Mahabharat ka rann’.”

Ethics Panel report on her to be tabled in Lok Sabha today. pic.twitter.com/r28o2ABVbB

— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2023

A determined BJP issued a three-line whip to its MPs, mandating their presence and alignment with the party’s position. The opposition is demanding a detailed discussion on the report, with BSP MP Danish Ali expressing concerns about the alleged rush in adopting the report.

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Moitra, facing accusations of accepting bribes, vehemently denied the charges, including surrendering her parliamentary log-in credentials to businessman Darshan Hiranandani. The opposition claims the Ethics Committee, led by the BJP, hurried the report.

The controversy escalated when Moitra walked out of a hearing on November 2, citing “filthy questions.” A 6:4 decision by the committee favored expulsion, leading to a 500-page report. Opposition MPs, including those on the Ethics Committee, argue it’s a “fixed match” without evidence. Trinamool, initially silent, has since defended Moitra, with Mamata Banerjee accusing the BJP of planning the expulsion ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.