New Delhi: TMC MP Mahua Moitra has been summoned by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee to appear on November 2 regarding her alleged involvement in the ‘Cash for Query’ scandal.
Moitra was granted an extension for her appearance before the panel as she requested more time to provide her oral testimony in the ‘Cash for Query’ scandal.
Moitra has received a firm notice from the Privileges and Ethics Branch of Lok Sabha Secretariat, stating that due to the gravity of the issue, any attempts to reschedule the panel meeting will not be considered. She is required to confirm her presence by October 31.
Moitra will be appearing before the Ethics Committee, led by BJP MP Vinod Sonkar. This comes in response to a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, raising questions about her involvement in the ‘Cash for Query’ scandal.
In her letter to the Ethics Committee on Friday, the TMC MP said that she will be attending pre-scheduled Vijay Dashmi meetings in her constituency from October 30 to November 4 and requested to be given time to appear in person before the committee at any date and time after November 5, 2023.
Moitra also asked “for the right” to cross-examine Darshan Hiranandani, the businessman at the centre of the alleged ‘Cash for Query’ scandal. She also urged the committee to call Hiranandani to depose before the panel and provide a verified list of alleged gifts and favours allegedly provided to her.
The communication referred to Moitra’s letter and said the Ethics Committee chairperson has “acceded to your request for extension of date for appearing before the committee”.
“It has accordingly been decided to hear you in the above matter, in person, on November 2 at 11 am,” the communication said.
“The Chairperson has also directed to convey that keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, having implications on the dignity of Parliament as well as its Members, any further request for extension of date for appearing before the Committee, i.e., re-scheduling the sitting of the Committee for any reason whatsoever would not be entertained,” it said.
Dubey and Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai appeared before the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee to submit oral evidence on their allegations on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Dubey alleged on Saturday that attempts are being made to influence the witness amid the ‘Cash for Query’ row and urged the Lok Sabha speaker to take action.