Mahua Moitra, leader of the Trinamool Congress, has been in the Lok Sabha for 14 years, facing both upheaval and elevation. Her expulsion in a cash-for-query case marked the end of her term, but her unwavering opposition support remains a significant influence in Indian politics.
Moitra, a first-time MP representing the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat, was expelled from the House on Friday due to an Ethics Committee report highlighting her accepting gifts and illegal gratification. Following a contentious debate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi proposed a motion to expel the TMC member for “unethical conduct.” Moitra criticized the decision, comparing it to a “kangaroo court” and accusing the government of coercing the opposition into submission.
A Synopsis of the life of Mahua Moitra
Mahua Moitra, an Indian politician and former investment banker, won the 2019 Indian general election as an All-India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party candidate from Krishnanagar. She served as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, from 2019 to 2023. However, she was disqualified and expelled from the Lok Sabha on 8 December 2023 due to her connection with the “Cash for Query” corruption incident and taking bribes.
Moitra was a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly representing Karimpur from 2016 to 2019. She has served as the general secretary and national spokesperson of the AITC for the past few years. In November 2023, Moitra was appointed as AITC District President of Krishnanagar (Nadia North). She was appointed TMC party’s Goa in-charge to prepare the party for the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly election.
Cash for ‘Query’ lead to her elimination from parliament
On 14 October 2023, Supreme Court advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai sent a complaint to CBI with an FIR alleging Moitra of corruption and money laundering. A copy was submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as well who forwarded the matter to the Ethics Committee of the parliament. Dehadrai accuses Moitra of receiving money and favors from Darshan Hiranandani, head of a rival conglomerate of Adani Group, to ask parliamentary questions targeting Adani. On 19 October 2023, Hiranandani turned approver, and in an affidavit claimed that Moitra indeed received favors, and also gave him access to her account on the Parliament of India’s website to directly post questions on her behalf.
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In response, Moitra refuted these claims and said she would be open to any investigation by the CBI or the Parliamentary Ethics Committee. Later in October, Moitra acknowledged giving Hiranandani her parliamentary login information “for typing questions and that she had taken presents like scarves, lipstick, and other items, but only as a “personal friend.” The parliamentary ethics tribunal recommended her removal from the Lok Sabha on November 9, 2023. By the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics’ recommended report, the Lok Sabha decided on December 8, 2023, to remove Moitra from the chamber.
How did a “dog fight” led to former banker Mahua Moitra losing her Lok Sabha account?
Mahua Moitra, a Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar, West Bengal, was expelled by the Lok Sabha after being found guilty of sharing her credentials and accepting gifts from a businessman. The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha recommended her expulsion from the House due to “cash-for-query” allegations. The House adopted the motion amid opposition members staging a walk-out. Moitra expressed her commitment to fight for the next 30 years inside and outside Parliament.
Moitra accused Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai of accepting cash and gifts in exchange for specific parliamentary questions and referred to him as a “jilted ex” who seeks revenge over the custody of a 3-year-old Rottweiler named Henry.
“Parliamentary panel weaponization”, Mahua’s reaction
Mahua Moitra challenged the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction shortly after the Lok Sabha ousted her, arguing the committee lacked the right to do so. TMC MP Moitra declared rather bluntly that this move is the first step towards the BJP’s demise. Moitra challenged the Ethics Committee’s ruling, pointing out that it was based on the contradicting written testimony of two people. She claimed that she was unfairly penalized for routinely engaging in activities that the Lok Sabha endorsed.
Moitra challenged the Ethics Committee’s ruling, claiming unfair punishment for engaging in activities endorsed by the Lok Sabha. After Lok Sabha’s conviction, Moitra was expelled for sharing credentials and accepting gifts in exchange for favors. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi presented a resolution for her expulsion, which was approved by a voice vote. Moitra objected to both the judgment and procedure.
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