Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha amidst Cash-for-query charges

The Ethics Committee presented a report on the fifth day of the winter session of the parliament in the Lok Sabha, recommending the cancellation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra's Parliament membership over cash-for-query allegations. The report labeled the accusations against Moitra as serious, prompting demands for immediate action.

Following the report's presentation, the parliamentary chambers witnessed uproar and slogans raised by opposition MPs. In the midst of the chaos, Congress MP Manish Tiwari questioned the haste in taking action against Moitra, insisting that she should be given a full opportunity to present her side. Tiwari argued that the committee should not pre-determine the punishment for the MP, asserting that such decisions should be left to the House.

Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, responded to Tiwari's objection stating that the Parliament is not a court, and he, as the Speaker, is not a judge but a facilitator of parliamentary proceedings.

Meanwhile, in the ongoing debate on the report, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary appealed to the Speaker, urging that MPs be given 3-4 days to thoroughly review the report before engaging in discussions. Chaudhary emphasized the need for preparation to ensure a meaningful and informed debate.