Cash-for-query row: MP Aparajita Sarangi hints trouble for Puri MP Pinaki Misra

Trouble may mount for Puri MP Pinaki Misra in the cash-for-query row in which Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra is allegedly involved. This has been hinted at by Bhubaneswar MP and member and Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, Aparajita Sarangi.

Notably, Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is probing the cash-for-query case following an allegation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey. Dubey alleged that Mahua Moitra accepted cash and favours from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Lok Sabha, mostly related to the business tycoon Gautam Adani. 

The Bhubaneswar MP said, "A meeting of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee was held on October 26 when the panel heard the complainant Nihikant Dubey and advocate Jay Anant. That day we had decided to summon TMC MP Mahua Moitra to depose before the committee on October 31. But she refused to appear before the panel on October 31.”

"I got information that the date was extended and the TMC MP has been called to appear before the Ethics Committee on November 2. I should not tell in public about the proceedings and discussion about the issue. The proceedings of the standing committee are always confidential," Sarangi said.

She further said that people would know what action would be taken against those found involved in the case.    

It may be noted here that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on October 20 had linked Puri Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Pinaki Misra with TMC MP Mahua Moitra. At a recent presser, BJP leader Manoj Mohapatra claimed that in the affidavit filed by businessman Darshan Hiranandani, he admitted that he had bought furniture and other luxurious items for Moitra and mentioned the name of the Puri MP.

Mohapatra e had termed Puri MP Pinaki Misra as the 'current account' of Mahua Moitra.

Later, the Puri MP had warned of legal proceedings against the people dragging his name into the cash-for-query imbroglio.