Mahua Moitra, Member of Parliament from Trinamool Congress, has conveyed her inability to appear before the Ethics Committee on the scheduled date of October 31.
In a letter addressed to the committee’s chairperson, Vinod Kumar Sonkar, Moitra explained that she cannot attend the proceedings due to prior commitments and requested to be rescheduled after November 5. She stated, “I look very much forward to appearing before the Committee at any date chosen by you after November 5, 2023.”
This development follows her earlier statement expressing eagerness to defend herself against the allegations, despite her busy schedule due to ongoing Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal. Moitra highlighted the circumstances surrounding the summons, mentioning, “Chairman, Ethics Committee announced my 31/10 summons on live TV way before the official letter was emailed to me at 19:20 hrs. All complaints & suo moto affidavits also released to the media. I look forward to deposing immediately after my pre-scheduled constituency programs end on Nov 4.”
The Ethics Committee had previously recorded statements from advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and had decided to summon Mahua Moitra on October 31.
Moitra, in her response, stressed her desire for a fair hearing and requested that she be given a chance to defend herself. She noted that, “The Committee against the order of natural justice, if I may humbly add, summoned and heard the complainants Shri Dubey & Shri Dehadrai on 26/10/2023 before allowing me, the alleged accused, a chance to be heard.”
Due to her pre-committed engagements during the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal, Moitra stated, “I represent the state of West Bengal where Durga Puja is the biggest festival. I am already committed to attending numerous pre-scheduled Vijaya Dashami Sammelans/meetings (both government and political) in my constituency from 30th October to 4th November 2023 and cannot be in Delhi on 31st October 2023.”
She requested the committee’s understanding and flexibility in rescheduling the hearing, stating, “Therefore, I request to be given time to appear in person before the committee at any date and time of the committee’s choice after 5th November 2023.”
