In first remarks on Mahua Moitra, TMC’s second-in-command asks: ‘Why expel her when nothing has been proved?’
"I feel Mahua is competent enough to fight her battles on her own. They have been victimising me for four years too; it is their standard practice, " said Abhishek Banerjee.
Listen to this articleYour browser does not support the audio element.
In the first comments from the Trinamool Congress on cash-for-query allegations levelled by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against TMC MP Mahua Moitra, the party’s second-in-command Abhishek Banerjee asked why the ethics panel has recommended her expulsion from the Lok Sabha when nothing has been proved so far.
Moitra is accused of taking money from a prominent businessman for asking questions in Parliament. The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, which inquired into the allegations, is learnt to have recommended her expulsion from the 17th Lok Sabha in its draft report.
You’ve Read Your Free Stories For Now
Sign up and keep reading more stories that matter to you.
Banerjee was summoned by Enforcement Directorate on Thursday to appear in connection with an alleged recruitment scam. Afterwards, speaking to the media, he said: “I feel this step by the central government and what I read of the ethics committee report, they have said an investigation should happen against her. If you do not have anything against Mahua and it is the subject of investigation, then why has an expulsion been recommended? I feel Mahua is competent enough to fight her battles on her own. They have been victimising me for four years too; it is their standard practice.”
The TMC had so far maintained a studied silence on the issue.
Banerjee said there are many BJP MPs against whom impeachment motions have been brought, but those matters have not been heard yet. “Nothing has happened against Ramesh Bidhuri (for communal remarks directed at BSP MP Danish Ali in Parliament); only when somebody speaks against the government, questions are raised. Mahua is competent enough to handle it,” he said.
“It shows how, if someone wants to fight against the government, question the role of the government, question the Adanis, an attempt is made to remove them from the post of MP. How can action be taken against someone without anything being proved?” he said.
Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats.
Experience & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal.
Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness.
Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics.
Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism.
Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage.
Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement.
Education
Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills.
Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College.
Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting.
Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region.
Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More
