Mahua Moitra is 'competent enough to fight her own battles': TMC's Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has voiced his support for party MP Mahua Moitra, who is accused of accepting money from a prominent businessman in exchange for asking questions in Parliament.

Banerjee described Moitra as a "victim of politics" and insisted on her ability to handle her own challenges. He slammed the BJP for targeting Trinamool leaders and questioned the need for Moitra's expulsion recommendation while an investigation is ongoing.

This marks Banerjee's first comment on the issue, highlighting the party's cautious stance. The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, has refrained from making extensive remarks on the matter, allowing Moitra to defend herself amid discussions about her personal life.

Derek O'Brien, the Trinamool Congress leader in the Rajya Sabha, announced last month that the party's leadership will make a decision after the Parliamentary panel investigating the allegations against Mahua Moitra completes its inquiry.

O'Brien said that Moitra has been advised by the party leadership to clarify her position regarding the accusations.

Given that the issue concerns an elected Member of Parliament and her rights and privileges, the party intends to wait for the proper parliamentary forum to investigate the matter before reaching a decision.

Moitra has been accused of receiving cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for parliamentary questions.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who lodged the complaint, stated that Lokpal has ordered a CBI probe into Moitra's alleged corruption, compromising national security.

"On basis of my complaint, Lokpal has ordered a CBI probe into the Mahua Moitra's corruption that compromises national security," Dubey has stated on X.

According to NDTV, which obtained the report from the Parliamentary ethics committee, the panel condemned Mahua Moitra's actions as "highly objectionable, unethical, heinous, and criminal."

The panel has recommended terminating her Lok Sabha membership, asserting that she should not be allowed to continue as an MP.

Moitra defended herself, stating there are no regulations on sharing login information, and she walked out of an ethics panel meeting, citing inappropriate questions.

Opposition MPs also raised concerns about the meeting's conduct and staged a walkout.