The Chairperson of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, Vinod Sonkar, announced ahead of the committee’s meeting that a report has been drafted and will be sent to the Speaker of the House following discussion regarding the cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.
“The ethics committee has seen all evidence examined, Darshan Hiranandani’s affidavit, Nishikant Dubey’s complaint and Mahua Moitra’s statement. A report has been drafted on which the Ethics Committee will hold a discussion. Following this, the report will be sent to the Lok Sabha Speaker,” Vinod Sonkar said, speaking ahead of the meeting.
Prior to Thursday’s meeting, the Ethics Committee Chairperson stated that two meetings were conducted during which Moitra’s statement was recorded, Dubey’s complaint and Hiranandani’s affidavit were reviewed.
“In the two meetings before this, we examined the complaint by Nishikant Dubey and the affidavit submitted by Hiranandani. Mahua Moitra’s statement was also recorded. After all this, today an Ethics Committee meeting is taking place. We will discuss all the issues in detail and send the proposal to the Lok Sabha Speaker,” he added.
When questioned about the possibility of revoking Mahua Moitra’s Lok Sabha membership, Sonkar said, “The Committee will decide on this. After examining all the facts, it will send its report to the Speaker.”
Sources claim that the committee has the authority to order Mahua Moitra removed from the Lok Sabha and to take action against committee member Danish Ali, a member of the Bahujan Samaj Party. On November 2, Mahua Moitra appeared before the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee regarding the accusations of receiving cash in exchange for a question. She “walked out” of the meeting with other panelists who were against her, claiming that she had been asked private questions.