An ethics complaint lodged by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against Trinamool Congress (TMC) member Mahua Moitra has been referred to the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha by Speaker Om Birla. The complaint alleges that Moitra accepted "bribes" from a businessman in exchange for asking questions in Parliament. This development has ignited a political controversy, underscoring the significance of ethics and accountability in the Indian legislative process.Nishikant Dubey accused Mahua Moitra of partaking in "bribe-for-query" activities and urged Speaker Om Birla to establish an "inquiry committee" to investigate these allegations. In response to these accusations, Moitra stated that she welcomes any action taken against her after the Speaker deals with pending charges against Dubey.
The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha, chaired by BJP member Vinod Kumar Sonkar, will now be tasked with investigating the claims against Moitra. This committee plays a crucial role in upholding parliamentary ethics and standards.
Nishikant Dubey, in his complaint to Speaker Birla, asserted that Moitra's alleged involvement in "cash for query" practices constituted a serious breach of privilege, contempt of the House, and a criminal offense under Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The complaint is based on a letter received by Dubey from an advocate who claimed to possess "irrefutable" evidence of financial transactions between Moitra and a businessman. These allegations have raised concerns about ethical conduct and the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.
One aspect that has drawn attention is Moitra's focus on the Adani Group in her parliamentary questions. Reportedly, out of 61 questions she asked in the Lok Sabha, a significant portion centered on the Adani Group, a prominent business conglomerate. Moitra has been vocal about alleged malpractices by the Adani Group, especially following a critical report regarding the company's activities.
The referral of this complaint to the Ethics Committee highlights the accountability mechanisms in place within the Indian Parliament to ensure that members maintain the highest standards of integrity and conduct while representing their constituents. As the committee proceeds with its inquiry, it will be closely watched to determine whether the allegations hold merit and whether appropriate actions will be taken based on its findings.
