Expelled MP Mahua Moitra at Risk of Losing Official Residence

Trinamool Congress Mahua Moitra, recently expelled from Lok Sabha due to corruption charges, may soon have to vacate her official residence, according to insider sources.

The Lok Sabha’s housing committee has taken action, forwarding a request to the Urban Development Ministry to commence proceedings for her eviction from the official residence. Moitra was allotted this house under a special quota sanctioned by the ministry.

Her expulsion from Lok Sabha came about last Friday following an Ethics Committee investigation into alleged ‘cash for query’ charges against her. The committee’s report deemed her conduct “highly objectionable, unethical, heinous, and criminal,” recommending her expulsion from the parliament.

During the parliamentary proceedings, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, after a contentious debate and a voice vote, confirmed the House’s acceptance of the Committee’s conclusions, branding Moitra’s actions as “immoral and indecent.” Consequently, it was deemed unfit for her to retain her position as an MP.

Despite her desire to express her viewpoint in Parliament, Moitra was denied the opportunity, sparking dissent among some opposition members who advocated for her right to present her side.

Moitra accused the parliamentary ethics committee of disregarding protocol in its investigation. She remarked, “The committee broke every rule… Tomorrow, the CBI will be sent to my home to harass me.”

Challenging her expulsion, Moitra has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, contesting the allegations leveled against her. The allegations revolve around purportedly accepting bribes, including a reported ₹2 crore in cash and extravagant gifts, from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, purportedly in exchange for raising questions critical of the government in parliament.

Moitra vehemently denied these allegations, refuting claims of receiving bribes from Hiranandani. The businessman, on the other hand, asserted that Moitra solicited various favors, including luxury gifts, in exchange for raising specific questions in parliament.