News Brief
Nayan Dwivedi
Oct 25, 2023, 01:21 PM | Updated 01:21 PM IST
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In a recent turn of events, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, Nishikant Dubey, launched a scathing attack on Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, casting doubt on the origin of her Parliament login and the existence of a monetary exchange related to her parliamentary questions.
Dubey emphasised the need to prioritise the dignity of Parliament over controversial figures such as Adani and even his own academic credentials.
The allegations against Moitra stem from accusations of accepting bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in exchange for raising questions against industrialist Adani within the parliamentary precincts.
While the Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into Dubey's claims, Moitra vehemently opposes what she refers to as a "hit job" orchestrated by the BJP, redirecting the spotlight towards Dubey's alleged fake degree.
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed Dubey in a letter, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations surrounding "cash for questions", as per reports by Hindustan Times.
The IT ministry's National Informatics Centre has pledged full cooperation with the Committee on Ethics as they delve into the matter.
Meanwhile, Darshan Hiranandani, the industrialist accused of offering bribes to Moitra in connection with questions about Adani in Parliament, has admitted his involvement, acknowledging it as a lapse in judgment.
In a recent television interview, Hiranandani, who resides in Dubai, stated, "I believe my involvement in this matter is a result of my own misjudgment."
He clarified that his affidavit outlining the events was voluntarily signed and notarised at the Indian consulate in Dubai.
Hiranandani categorically denied any pressure or threats from the Prime Minister's Office, countering Moitra's claims on that front.
Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.