'Besharam, Behuda': Mahua Moitra Accuses LS Ethics Panel Chief Of Asking 'Cheap, Irrelevant Questions'

Cash-For-Query Row: TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Sunday renewed her attacks against Lok Sabha Ethics Committee chairperson and BJP parliamentarian Vinod Sonkar, accusing him of asking her "cheap sordid irrelevant questions" as part of the probe into the 'cash-for-query' row. She also warned the ruling BJP against attempting to 'push out women MPs with fake narrative', saying she had in her possession the "exact" transcripts of the ethics panel proceedings.

"Also BJP - before you push out women MPs with fake narrative remember I have EXACT transcript of record in Ethics Committee verbatim. Chairman’s cheap sordid irrelevant questions, Opposition’s protests, my protests - all there in offical black & white. Besharam & Behuda," Moitra posted on social media platform (formerly Twitter).

Also BJP - before you push out women MPs with fake narrative remember I have EXACT transcript of record in Ethics Committee verbatim. Chairman’s cheap sordid irrelevant questions, Opposition’s protests, my protests - all there in offical black & white.
Besharam & Behuda.

— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) November 5, 2023

She also claimed that the BJP-ruled central government was planning to frame her in criminal cases, adding that probe agencies should first book billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani for his alleged involvement in financial wrongdoings. In a separate X post, she wrote, "Shaking in my skin to know BJP planning crminal cases against me. Welcome them - only know that CBI and ED need to file FIR against Adani for ₹13,0000 crore coal scam before they question how many pairs of shoes I have."

Shaking in my skin to know BJP planning crminal cases against me. Welcome them - only know that CBI and ED need to file FIR against Adani for ₹13,0000 crore coal scam before they question how many pairs of shoes I have.

— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) November 5, 2023

On Thursday, Moitra and ethics panel members belonging to Opposition parties staged a walk-out during the TMC MP's deposition. Opposition members objected to the line of questioning and alleged that "personal questions" were asked to Moitra. Among those who walked out were BSP MP Danish Ali, Janata Dal (United) MP Giridhari Yadav and Congress MP Uttam Kumar Reddy.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan Assembly Election 2023: BJP Releases Fifth List Of 15 Candidates | Check Here

Moitra alleged that she was subjected to humiliating personal questions from the panel. She further described the episode as "proverbial vastraharan (stripping)" referring to the chapter in Mahabharat, where Kauravas humiliated Padavas' queen Draupadi in darbar. In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Mahua stated that "unethical, sordid, prejudiced behaviour was meted out" to her during the meeting.

ALSO READ: Smoke Coming In From UP, Haryana; Punjab Not Behind Air Pollution In Delhi: Gopal Rai

Sonkar on Thursday alleged that "unparliamentary language" was used by Moitra against him and other members during cross-examination following her deposition before the panel. The 'cash-for-query' row pertains to allegations that Moitra received bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani. The official complaint with the Lok Sabha Speaker in connection with the matter was lodged by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.

(Hiranandani Group CEO Darshan Hiranandani)

Referring to allegations levelled by Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, Dubey claimed that Moitra had asked approxiamately 50 questions in the Parliament with "the intent of protecting or perpetuating business interests" of the Hiranandani Group, which the BJP MP said was in a bidding war against Adani Group.

(With inputs from ANI)