BJP's end begins: Mahua Moitra roars after Lok Sabha expulsion
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra said on Friday that the Ethics Committee has no power to expel her. Addressing the media after her expulsion in the "cash-for-query" case, Moitra said this was the beginning of the end for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Meanwhile, opposition MPs on Parliament premises staged a walkout following the Lok Sabha's adoption of a motion to expel Moitra.
Why does this story matter?
The cash-for-query row started after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claimed that Moitra took bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Parliament aimed at PM Narendra Modi and the Adani Group. Dubey filed a complaint based on documents furnished by Jai Anant Dehadrai, Moitra's former partner and Supreme Court lawyer. Moitra was expelled on Friday, two months after Dubey filed the complaint.
Moitra attacks BJP-led Centre, Adani after Lok Sabha expulsion
Furthermore, the expelled TMC MP claimed that the Modi government wouldn't be able to get away with the Adani issue by shutting her up. "Let me tell you this kangaroo court has only shown to all of India that the haste and the abuse of due process you have used demonstrates how important Adani is to you," she added.
You can watch Moitra's reaction here
Mamata reacts to Moitra's expulsion
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of "vendetta politics," calling it an "attack on democracy" following Moitra's expulsion. "Today, I am sad to see the attitude of the BJP party. How did they betray democracy?" she asked. "I am telling you that she is a victim of the circumstances. I strongly condemn it," the TMC chief added.
House adjourned till December 11
Announcing Moitra's suspension, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that the House accepts the conclusions of the panel that her conduct as a member of the parliament was "immoral" and "indecent." "So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP," Birla said. The Lok Sabha speaker concluded by adjourning the House till December 11.
In 2005, 10 MPs were expelled: Pralhad Joshi
Parliamentary Affairs Minister and BJP Leader Pralhad Joshi, who moved the motion to expel Moitra, said, "During the UPA government, a report was presented and 10 Lok Sabha members were expelled on the same day." "Moitra admitted accepting gifts like scarves and lipsticks from Hiranandani," he added.
Moitra denied allegations
Though Moitra has constantly rejected the allegations against her in the cash-for-query case, the TMC leader did admit giving her parliamentary login ID to Hiranandani. The TMC leader also dismissed the claims that she received cash and expensive gifts from the businessman. However, Moitra did clarify that the only gifts she got from him were "one scarf, one lipstick, and one eye shadow."
