What Is ‘Cash-For-Query’ Controversy: 10 Points

In a signed affidavit, that was leaked to the media on Thursday, businessman Darshan Hiranandani claimed that he used Trinamool Congress MP and ardent critic of PM Modi-led NDA government Mahua Moitra“s Parliament login ID to ask questions in Parliament targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Adani Group. Mr Hiranandani claimed that Mahua Moitra “made frequent demands” including “expensive luxury items and logistical help for her holidays.” He also claimed the TMC MP had interactions with many Congress leaders, “including Rahul Gandhi, on matters relating to Adani companies”. Before the leaked affidavit came to public, Hiranandani group had on October 15 refuted the allegations by saying “These allegations have no merit.” Mahua Moitra denied the allegations and said she is prepared for any inquiry.

What Is ‘Cash-For-Query’ Controversy: 10 Points

1. Everything started when the BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s alleged last Sunday that Ms Moitra took bribes from Mr Hiranandani to ask questions in the parliament.
2. Interestingly, Ms Moitra had exposed the BJP MP inside and outside the Parliament many times and their rivalry is known for all.
3. The BJP MP had used a research done by Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai to substantiate his arguments, and filed a complaint to the Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla demanding the TNC MP’s suspension.
4. According to Ms Moitra, the research by Advocate Mr Dehadrai is mere revenge attacks of a “jilted ex”. Jai Dehadrai is said to be Mohua Moitra”s estranged partner.
5. Press Trust of India reported that, Ms Moitra has filed multiple police complaints against Mr Dehadrai for alleged criminal trespass, theft, vulgar messages and abuse in the last six months.
6. She said the Prime Minister’s Office held a “proverbial gun” to Mr Darshan and his father”s heads and “gave them 20 minutes to sign this letter sent to them and they were threatened with a total shut down of all their businesses”.
7. Head of the ethics committee in Parliament said they have received Darshan Hiranandani”s affidavit and the committee will hear Mr Dubey”s complaint on October 26.
8. “The allegations are very serious. The case has gone beyond the prima facie evidence which is why we are examining it,” head of the ethics committee Vinod Sonkar told NDTV.
9. Delhi High Court on Friday deferred the hearing of Mahua Moitra”s defamation plea over the allegations against her to October 31 after her lawyer withdrew from the case citing a “conflict of interest”.
10. A senior leader of Trinamool, also a minister in West Bengal government, came in support of Ms Moitra and said the developments are “somewhat vindictive” as TMC has raised the Adani issue in the Parliament. Meanwhile, the BJP has asked for Ms Moitra”s resignation.