Cash-for-query case: Ethics committee asks Mahua Moitra to appear on Nov 2, says 'won't entertain further extension'
cash-for-query’ case, expressing her inability to appear before it on October 31. In a tweet, Mahua Moitra said she was available only after November 5 due to her pre-scheduled constituency programmes. The TMC MP also alleged that the summons were leaked on live TV before an official letter was emailed to her.
“Chairman, Ethics Comm announced my 31/10 summons on live TV way before official letter emailed to me at 19:20 hrs. All complaints & suo moto affidavits also released to media. I look forward to deposing immediately after my pre- scheduled constituency programmes end on Nov 4," Mahua Moitra said.
In her letter to panel chairperson Vinod Sonkar, Mahua Moitra said she “eagerly looks forward to physically attending and presenting her defence against the slanderous charges" and that she should be allowed to exercise her right to cross-examine businessman Darshan Hiranandani. The TMC MP said, “The Committee - against the order of natural justice, if I may humbly add- summoned and heard the complainants Shri Dubai (Dubey) & Shri Dehadrai on 26/10/2023 before allowing me, the alleged accused, a chance to be heard." "…I request to be given time to appear in person before the committee at any date and time of the committee's choice after 5th November 2023. As a recent example, Shri Ramesh Biduri, MP who was summoned by the Privileges Committee on 10/10/23 requested more time since he had pre-fixed political meetings in Rajasthan and was accorded a similar courtesy by this same branch," she said.
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