Lok Sabha expels Moitra in cash-for-queries row

Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Mahua Moitra, a first-time member who rose to prominence with her combative speeches in the House, was disqualified from the Lok Sabha on Friday over her “direct involvement” in cash-for-query charges and “unethical” conduct — the first time in nearly two decades that a member has been removed from Parliament on similar allegations.

- Saubhadra Chatterji

TMC leader Mahua Moitra after being expelled by the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament. (PTI)
TMC leader Mahua Moitra after being expelled by the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament. (PTI)
The Lok Sabha expelled Moitra with a voice vote after the Opposition walked out, adopting an ethics committee report that recommended her expulsion for sharing her login credentials and password with an unauthorised person, its impact on national security, and accepting gifts and possibly cash as a “quid pro quo” from businessman Darshan Hiranandani.

“I have time and again tried to maintain the standards of the house, for which I have had to take harsh decisions as well, but only for the sake of the dignity of the house. And this is why today too, whatever we are discussing, the dignity and prestige of the house must remain paramount,” speaker Om Birla said.

“I always try not to suspend or take action against any member. I always try to ensure that each member gets enough time and opportunity.”

The debate became a rallying point for the Opposition, which flagged loopholes in the ethics committee report, questioned the process of disqualification, and walked out before the motion to remove Moitra was put to vote.

After a heated debate that lasted 30 minutes, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion to expel the first-time member for “unethical conduct”, which was adopted by a voice vote.

“Moitra’s conduct has been found to be unbecoming as MP for accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman to further his interest which is a serious misdemeanour and highly deplorable conduct,” said the motion moved by Joshi.