This Post Is Recently Updated on Oct 31, 2023 @ 13:30 pm by TBB Desk
Introduction:
A political tempest has unfurled post accusations hurled by BJP legislator Nishikant Dubey towards Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra, alleging the receipt of cash and gifts by her in return for posing questions in Parliament. The imbroglio thickened on Thursday when businessman Darshan Hiranandani, through an affidavit, purported that “he was coerced to sign a white paper.”
The Affidavit in Spotlight:
In the said affidavit, attributed to Darshan Hiranandani and whose authenticity is challenged by Mahua Moitra, the businessman is quoted as stating that the Lok Sabha MP shared her email ID “so that I could send her information, and she could raise questions in Parliament.”
Moitra’s Rebuttal:
Moitra has countered by referencing a press statement by the Hiranandani Group, claiming it termed all accusations as baseless. She further questioned the affidavit’s credibility, noting its appearance on a plain paper with no official header besides a media leak.
Profiling Darshan Hiranandani:
Darshan Hiranandani, the businessman entangled in the ‘cash-for-questions’ scandal surrounding Moitra, serves as the CEO of Hiranandani Group. Aged 42, he’s the progeny and successor of real estate mogul Niranjan Hiranandani. His multifaceted career spans chairmanships at Yotta Data Services, H-Energy, Tarq Semiconductors, and Tez Platforms.
Hiranandani’s Affidavit Unveiled:
As per the affidavit circling in media corridors, Hiranandani alleges Moitra’s continual demands for “expensive luxury items, support on her official bungalow’s renovation in Delhi, travel expenses, holidays, etc.” He expresses feeling taken advantage of and pressured, prompting the affidavit as the matter spiraled into political contention.
Moitra’s Take on The Affidavit:
Moitra lambasted the affidavit’s contents as farcical, suggesting a whimsical draft by some individual in the PMO doubling as a BJP IT cell creative writer. She questioned the absence of an official release from Hiranandani himself or his company regarding the accusations.
Nishikant Dubey’s Connection:
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, representing Jharkhand, was the primary voice raising the allegations against Moitra, demanding her “immediate suspension” and an inquiry committee’s formation to delve into the accusations. This complaint has now been forwarded to the Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee for further scrutiny.
Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee Overview:
Comprising 15 members, the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha investigates complaints regarding members’ conduct as referred by the Speaker. Currently probing the allegations against Moitra, the committee’s chair, Vinod Sonkar, confirmed the receipt of Hiranandani’s affidavit and Dubey’s letter, assuring Moitra will have an opportunity to present her side.
TMC’s Reaction:
The Mamata Banerjee-helmed Trinamool Congress has chosen to distance itself from the controversy, refraining from comment and noting Moitra’s issued statement. This stance reflects a cautious approach amidst a politically charged scenario unraveling around the ‘cash-for-questions’ allegations.
