Mahua Moitra: India parliament expels firebrand MP in bribery row

India’s parliamentary landscape has witnessed a significant development as Mahua Moitra, an opposition lawmaker, faced expulsion over allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for raising questions. Moitra, a prominent figure known for her vocal criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), staunchly denies the accusations leveled against her. The expulsion, which transpired after a resolution passed in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, has sparked a wave of controversy and calls for a more thorough examination of the case.

The ethics panel report, recommending Moitra’s expulsion, was presented in the house on the same day as the decision. However, opposition lawmakers sought additional time to scrutinize the nearly 500-page report before engaging in a debate. Their request was not granted, leading to a swift vote, and Moitra’s expulsion was confirmed through a voice vote.

During the parliamentary proceedings, Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed dissatisfaction with the rushed decision, emphasizing the sensitivity of the matter. He argued that a few extra days could have been allotted for a more comprehensive review of the extensive report, allowing lawmakers to present well-considered opinions.

Mahua Moitra, affiliated with the Trinamool Congress and representing West Bengal, has been a vocal critic of the Modi government. Her party colleagues rallied in her defense within the parliament, staging a protest and raising slogans. Despite their objections, the session was temporarily adjourned before lawmakers reconvened to discuss the issue.

The controversy surrounding Moitra stems from allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey in October. Dubey accused Moitra of seeking favors and accepting bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions that targeted the Adani Group. The conglomerate, owned by Gautam Adani, a prominent figure with alleged close ties to Prime Minister Modi, has been a frequent subject of Moitra’s inquiries.

The bribery allegations, which Moitra vehemently denies, have added fuel to the already intense political atmosphere. Moitra’s party leaders dismissed the ethics panel’s report as an “eyewash,” maintaining that the charges against her were baseless. Opposition leaders, including Moitra herself, argue that she has been targeted due to her critical stance against the ruling BJP.

Speaker Om Birla did not permit Moitra to speak during the parliamentary session, contending that she had already been given an opportunity to defend herself before the ethics committee. Moitra, who walked out during the committee’s questioning, accused them of biased and unethical behavior.

The situation has further escalated with the Trinamool Congress and other opposition leaders asserting that Moitra’s expulsion is politically motivated. As tensions rise, Moitra retains the option to challenge the decision in court, setting the stage for a potentially protracted legal battle.

The broader context of this expulsion underscores the polarized political landscape in India, where debates over ethics, accountability, and freedom of expression continue to shape the dynamics within the country’s parliamentary system.