New Delhi: The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee's meeting in the matter of Mahua Moitra's case, originally scheduled for November 7, has been postponed to November 9.
No official reason has been provided for this rescheduling.
The committee, chaired by BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar, is likely to take a critical view of the cash-for-query allegations against TMC MP Mahua Moitra, particularly after she accused Sonkar of asking indecent and personal questions during the committee's last meeting. Opposition members, including Moitra, walked out in protest during that session.
In the November 2 meeting, the committee members were divided along party lines regarding the allegations. The majority of committee members are from the BJP. There are indications that the committee may recommend disciplinary action against Moitra in its report to Speaker Om Birla.
Dissent notes from opposition members are also anticipated.
During the November 2 meeting, all five opposition members, including Moitra, accused Sonkar of asking personal and indecent questions about her travels, hotel stays, and telephone calls. Moitra later claimed that she had experienced a "proverbial vastraharan" during the meeting.
The committee chairperson dismissed the claims of unethical conduct made by opposition members and stated that they were attempting to shield Moitra.
The committee is likely to address Moitra's decision to walk out of the meeting critically in its report.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Moitra of asking questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for bribes. Moitra admitted that Hiranandani had used her login details but denied any financial wrongdoing, asserting that many MPs share their login credentials with others.