TMC Distances Itself From Mahua Moitra's Bribery Charges Case Amid Controversy

The Trinamool Congress has decided to keep its distance from the ongoing controversy involving its MP Mahua Moitra, who allegedly faces allegations of receiving bribes in exchange for raising questions in parliament.

As per various reports, the CEO of the Hiranandani Group, Darshan Hiranandani, is at the center of these allegations, claiming in a signed affidavit that Moitra targeted Gautam Adani to "malign and embarrass" Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose "impeccable reputation" left the opposition with limited opportunities to attack him.

As per reports, a review of the affidavit was done by PTI.

"The party has nothing to say on this issue. We think the person around whom this controversy is revolving is best suited to react to this," stated Kunal Ghosh, Trinamool's West Bengal general secretary and spokesperson.

Another senior TMC leader, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the party leadership wishes to avoid being drawn into a controversy and will maintain a distance from it.

Reacting to these developments, BJP leader Rahul Sinha criticized the Trinamool Congress, asserting that the ruling party in West Bengal cannot evade its responsibility. "The TMC always tries to shrug off its responsibility whenever its leaders are either arrested or land into trouble. The TMC needs to explain whether it supports Mahua Moitra or not," he insisted.

Earlier in the week, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai alleged that Ms. Moitra had accepted favors from Hiranandani in return for raising questions in Parliament. In response, Moitra filed a defamation suit against them before the Delhi High Court. Mr. Dubey's complaint has been referred to Parliament's Ethics Committee by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Vinod Sonkar, the chairman of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, confirmed receiving the sworn affidavit from Hiranandani. However, Moitra raised concerns about the credibility of Hiranandani's affidavit, alleging that it was "drafted by the PMO" and that he was coerced into signing it under the threat of a "total shut down" of his family's businesses.

The Trinamool Congress's decision to maintain a hands-off approach in the midst of this controversy reflects their desire to distance themselves from the ongoing allegations and legal proceedings. The situation continues to evolve, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately unfold.