The Ongoing Saga: A Comprehensive Timeline of the “Cash-For-Query” Case

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has been expelled from Lok Sabha today after an Ethics Committee report found her guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for criticizing the government. The report states that the 49-year-old MP received cash and luxurious gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in return for asking questions in Parliament that painted the Narendra Modi government in a negative light.

The timeline of the ‘Cash For Query’ case began on October 14 when Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai filed a complaint with the CBI and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging corruption and money laundering. Moitra denied the allegations, dismissing Dehadrai as a “jilted ex.” However, Dehadrai claimed that he feared for his life and alleged coercion to retract his complaint.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey requested the immediate suspension of Moitra, accusing her of accepting bribes from Hiranandani in exchange for asking critical questions about PM Modi and the Adani Group. This led to a hearing by the Ethics Panel of Parliament.

Hiranandani submitted an affidavit stating that Moitra shared her parliamentary credentials with him to post questions targeting the Adani Group from Dubai. Moitra admitted to sharing her credentials but denied any bribery, demanding the opportunity to cross-examine Hiranandani.

Moitra initially defied the Ethics Committee’s summons, citing bias and unfair questioning. She eventually appeared before the committee but walked out and accused them of engaging in a “stripping” exercise.

On November 10, the Ethics Committee submitted its report recommending Moitra’s expulsion. The report accused her of accepting “illegal gratifications” from Hiranandani. Six out of ten committee members voted to adopt the report, while the remaining four registered dissent.

The report was tabled in parliament on December 8, leading to chaos as Trinamool Congress and Congress members demanded access to the report and a discussion before taking any action. Amid the uproar, the proceedings were adjourned.

Following the tabling of the report, Moitra was expelled without being given the opportunity to defend herself before the vote. The motion for her expulsion based on “unethical conduct” was adopted by a voice vote.