KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress (TMC) announced on Sunday that it would make an “appropriate decision” regarding the cash-for-query allegations against party MP Mahua Moitra after the parliamentary panel probe.
In the first comprehensive statement on the matter, TMC’s parliamentary leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O’Brien said: “We have observed reports in the media. The member concerned has been advised by the party leadership to clarify her position regarding the allegations levelled against her. She has already done that. However, since the matter has to do with an elected MP, her rights and privileges, let the matter be investigated by the right forum of Parliament, after which the party leadership will take an appropriate decision.”
This comes two days after party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told reporters on Friday: “Trinamool Congress has nothing to say on the Mahua Moitra issue. The party will not give any reaction to it.”
Despite Moitra moving Delhi HC and her rebuttal to the charges against her, sources said TMC’s silence had led to growing unease among party ranks on the issue.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is scheduled to appear before the Lok Sabha ethics committee on October 26 to record his statement on the matter. Moitra had earlier indicated she is ready to face a CBI probe and appear before the panel hearing when she is summoned.
Moitra remained steadfast in her stand, as evident from her recent social media posts. She referred in a tweet on Saturday to a “message” (she purportedly received) about an impending CBI raid. In the post, she invited CBI to search her home and count her “pair of shoes”.