Bribe for question: Mahua claims businessman was forced to sign to implicate her
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New Delhi: To substantiate the BJP's allegation that Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra accepted bribes to ask questions against the Modi government, businessman Darshan Hiranandani, identified as the CEO of the Hiranandani Group, has alleged that Moitra provided him with her Parliament login id and password to post questions on her behalf.
The affidavit submitted to the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee claims Moitra aimed to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi by attacking Gautam Adani and his group, both hailing from Gujarat. Hiranandani, based in Dubai, stated that Moitra wanted to use Parliament to embarrass the government by focusing on the Adani group.
Moitra, responding to the allegations, dismissed the affidavit as a joke and claimed it was drafted by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), forcing Hiranandani to sign it. She further suggested that the Hiranandani Group faced threats of a business shutdown and CBI raids if they did not comply.
The controversy erupted after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Moitra of accepting bribes to protect the interests of the Hiranandani Group. Dubey's letters to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged an investigation into Moitra's login credentials to check for unauthorized access.
Hiranandani's affidavit revealed Moitra's alleged request for support in attacking the Adani group, including sharing her login details for posting questions directly.
Late at night, Moitra released a press statement labelling Darshan Hiranandani as a dear friend and asserting that his claims were baseless. She pointed out that the Hiranandani Group had recently issued a press release refuting all charges against them.
Hiranandani's affidavit also implicated journalist Sucheta Dalal, alleging that she provided Moitra with unverified information about Gautam Adani and his companies. However, Dalal vehemently denied any involvement, stating that she had never been in contact with Moitra and was not consulted for any assistance.
The affidavit also sheds light on Moitra's alleged demands, including expensive gifts, support for bungalow renovations, travel expenses, and logistical assistance. Hiranandani claimed he had to fulfil these requests to remain in Moitra's favour.