Cash-for-query row: BJP MP rubbishes Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's ‘theory’ on Mahua Moitra's popularity

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee gave her first public statement on the cash-for-query row yesterday after maintaining a long silence on the matter.

Published on: Nov 24, 2023, 12:38:47 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday clapped back at West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee for ‘theorising’ her party colleague Mahua Moitra's Lok Sabha win in 2024 if she is expelled as a parliamentarian for the cash-for-query case. The BJP MP said there is a 99% chance that Dawood Ibrahim, a declared terrorist wanted by the Indian government, may win if he contests in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh seat, however, “that would not make him any less of an anti-national.”

Also read: Cash-for-query row: BJP MP shares Lok Sabha rules; says Mahua Moitra ‘not been briefed properly’

Both the BJP and TMC are at daggers drawn over the allegation of Moitra sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials with businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for money and gifts. The Krishnanagar MP is facing the heat of the row amid the Lok Sabha ethics committee's recommendation for her expulsion from the Lower House following a probe into the matter. Dubey claimed not only did Moitra share her government login credentials with the businessman, but “it (Lok Sabha site) was logged in from multiple places—Delhi, Bengaluru, San Francisco.”

The Bengal CM gave her first-ever public statement months after the row erupted. She claimed that expelling Moitra would only make her popular in the run-up to the general elections.

Also read: Mahua Moitra case more ‘serious’ than 2005 cash-for-query scam: Nishikant Dubey

"They (BJP) plan to expel Mahua. This will make her popular for three months. Whatever she used to say inside (Parliament), she will be saying outside. She will hold press conferences every day and speak outside. What difference will it make?" she asked.

Earlier, Banerjee appointed the Trinamool MP as the district president of Krishnanagar (Nadia North).

The report of the ethics panel is now with Speaker Om Birla who will take a final decision on the fate of the TMC MP.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.