Lok Sabha Ethics Committee Receives Darshan Hiranandani's Affidavit In 'Cash For Query' Row

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has confirmed the receipt of an affidavit from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani, in which he alleges that he provided favours to Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra for the purpose of raising questions in Parliament.

The committee has announced its intention to conduct a thorough investigation into all the allegations, NDTV reported.

According to Hiranandani's affidavit, he claimed to have offered favours to Moitra in exchange for her Parliament login credentials, enabling her to pose questions in the House. He also alleged that Moitra sought to gain publicity by targeting the Adani Group.

These allegations were initially brought to the attention of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla by BJP's Nishikant Dubey, who accused the Trinamool leader of violating parliamentary privileges, showing contempt for the House, and engaging in a criminal conspiracy.

Vinod Sonkar, the head of the ethics committee, stated in an exclusive interview with NDTV, "We have received Darshan Hiranandani's affidavit. The committee will hear Dubey's complaint on 26 October. He has been asked to present evidence in front of the committee."

Sonkar emphasised the gravity of the allegations and confirmed that the committee will first review Dubey's letter and Hiranandani's affidavit. They will also provide an opportunity for Moitra to present her side of the story, as she has vehemently denied the charges and expressed readiness for any investigation.

"The allegations are very serious. The case has gone beyond the prima facie evidence, which is why we are examining it," Sonkar added.

Moitra, who represents Krishnanagar in West Bengal as a Lok Sabha MP, has sought a permanent injunction against Dubey, Dehadrai, social media platform X, search engine Google, and YouTube to prevent them from making, publishing, or disseminating defamatory, false, and malicious statements against her.

However, earlier today, her lawyer Gopal Sankaranarayanan withdrew from the case after allegations of 'conflict of interest'. The next hearing is scheduled for 31 October.