By India Blooms News Service Oct 28, 2023
New Delhi/IBNS: Amid the cash for questions row, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Friday admitted she gave her Parliament login details to businessman Darshan Hiranandani but refuted the bribery allegations.
Speaking to India Today, Moitra said she received gifts in the form of one scarf, a lipstick and eyeshadow from Darshan, who was her close personal friend.
The only things I have received from Darshan as a close personal friend was one scarf for my birthday present three or four years ago, then he called from the Dubai airport asking if I wanted something.
There is a brand called Bobbi Brown and he bought me a lipstick from the brand, and eye shadow, Moitra told the English news channel.
Though she denied bribery allegations, Moitra claimed someone from Darshans office used to type her questions and get it checked by her as the TMC MP, who represents West Bengals Krishnanagar Lok Sabha segment, is always busy in her constituency.
She told India Today, Someone in Darshan Hiranandanis office typed the question which I gave on the Parliament website. After putting the question, they would call me to inform and I would read all the questions in one go as I am always busy in my constituency.
After putting the question, an OTP (one-time password) comes on my mobile phone. I would give that OTP and only then is the question submitted. So, the idea that Darshan would log in to my ID and put in questions of his own is ludicrous.
Moitra says this as a response to Darshans affidavit where he claimed the parliamentarian gave her login ID and password to him to post questions on her behalf.
Moitra had questioned the authenticity of Darshans affidavit.
The controversy surrounding Moitra kickstarted after Dubey on October 15 accused the TMC leader, who is known for her fiery speeches in Parliament, of asking questions on businessman Gautam Adani in Parliament in exchange for money.
Dubey, a three term MP from Jharkhands Godda constituency, cited a letter from Moitras estranged partner Jai Anant Dehadrai, a Supreme Court lawyer, in claiming that Moitra received bribes.
The BJP MP has appealed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to form an inquiry committee to probe into the allegations brought against the first-term parliamentarian.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has summoned Moitra who has been asked to appear before the panel on October 31 or an alternate day of the committees choice post November 5.
The parliamentarian said she wont be available to appear before the panel before November 4 due to pre-scheduled Vijaya Dashami meetings.