West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the expulsion of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha, describing it as “unfortunate” and highlighting the absence of an opportunity for Moitra to defend herself. Moitra faced expulsion amid allegations of involvement in a cash-for-query scheme. Mamata Banerjee expressed strong support for Moitra, stating that the expulsion occurred without seeking her opinion. Banerjee asserted that the case against Moitra was driven by personal interests and criticized the lack of opportunity for her to present a defense.
In addition, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of being a “washing machine,” claiming that corrupt leaders are absolved and spared when they join the BJP, while opposition figures face arrests and imprisonment. Moitra, who was barred from speaking during the Lok Sabha debate, later read her statement on the Parliament premises, condemning the exploitation of the Ethics Committee and its report for political purposes. Moitra argued that the committee’s actions violated established rules and accused it of punishing her for engaging in routine and accepted parliamentary practices. She emphasized that the Ethics Committee’s findings were based on contradictory testimonies from two private citizens, and her right to cross-examine them was denied.
The expulsion has stirred controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the process and defending Moitra’s right to a fair inquiry.