Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra didn't mince her words after her expulsion from the Lok Sabha over allegations of "cash for parliament questions". She vehemently criticized the decision, labeling it an abuse of power by the Ethics Committee and a tool for the BJP to silence opposition. Moitra argued that her expulsion was based on a premise lacking concrete evidence. She addressed concerns about sharing her parliamentary logins, which she claimed wasn't governed by any rules, emphasizing that MPs often act as conduits for public concerns in Parliament. Expressing her concerns about potential harassment from investigative agencies, she declared her intent to fight against the BJP both inside and outside Parliament for the next three decades.
She also highlighted the alleged selective treatment by citing instances where no action was taken against BJP members for objectionable remarks. She accused the BJP of harboring biases against minorities and women. Moitra criticized the Ethics Committee's report, which led to her expulsion, asserting that the process had been skewed, and the conclusions were based on contradictory testimonies and an absence of governing rules on the issue. Her expulsion prompted opposition MPs to stage a walkout from the House, showing solidarity and disagreement with the decision.
Key Points:
1. Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, expelled from the Lok Sabha due to alleged unethical conduct, criticized the government, asserting that the Ethics Committee lacks the authority to expel members, viewing it as a move signaling the beginning of the BJP's downfall.
2. She condemned the weaponization of parliamentary committees, particularly the Ethics Committee's report, considering it a tool used to enforce compliance and submission.
3. Moitra, aged 49, vowed to confront the BJP both within and outside Parliament for the next three decades, expressing her discontent after her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
4. The expulsion decision stemmed from allegations of sharing parliamentary logins with a Dubai-based businessman, leading the Ethics Committee to recommend her expulsion, a decision adopted by the Lok Sabha with a majority vote.
5. Moitra argued against the grounds for her expulsion, emphasizing the absence of rules governing the sharing of login credentials and highlighting the role of MPs in representing public queries in Parliament.
6. She criticized the government's selective actions, citing an instance of objectionable remarks made by a BJP MP against another MP without repercussions, indicating bias against minorities and women.
7. Moitra lamented the lack of opportunity to speak within the House and raised concerns about the Ethics Committee's misuse, which she claimed deviated from its intended purpose.
8. Allegations of bias and flawed procedures were highlighted, including the involvement of an estranged partner as one of the complainants, presenting contradictory testimonies, and a lack of substantial evidence in the Ethics Committee's report.
9. Following her expulsion, opposition MPs, led by CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, staged a walkout from the House, symbolically walking to the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament.
10. Moitra's expulsion sparked allegations of procedural irregularities, bias, and misuse of power, leading to a symbolic protest by opposition members in response to what they perceived as unjust treatment within the parliamentary system.
(With Agency Inputs)
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