Cash-for-query row | Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha calls TMC MP Mahua Moitra on October 31

Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha asks TMC MP Mahua Moitra to appear on Oct 31 to defend self in 'cash-for-query' allegations. BJP MP Dubey and advocate Dehadrai present evidence. Dubey cites documents to back allegations.

The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha on October 26 asked Trinamool Congress (TMC) member Mahua Moitra to appear before it on October 31 to defend herself in connection with the ‘cash-for-query’ allegations against her.

The Ethics Committee, headed by Chairman Vinod Kumar Sonkar, has also sought assistance from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) in probing the allegations against Ms. Moitra.

Earlier in the day, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and advocate Jai Dehadrai appeared before the Committee to record their statements and present evidence in connection with the allegations against her.

During the meeting, questions were raised on Mr. Dubey’s motivation behind accusing Ms. Moitra of getting financial benefits for raising questions in the parliament. Ms. Moitra has earlier questioned the authenticity of Mr. Dubey’s MBA degree.

In his complaint to Speaker Om Birla, Mr. Dubey cited documents shared by Mr. Dehadrai to back his cash-for-query allegations against Ms. Moitra.

Mr. Birla had referred the matter to the committee headed by BJP member Mr. Sonkar.

Mr. Dehadrai was the first to record his statement before the Ethics Committee, while Mr. Dubey appeared before the panel in the afternoon, according to PTI