New Delhi - TMC MP Mahua Moitra faced expulsion from the Lok Sabha on Friday in connection with a cash-for-query issue, following the submission of a report by the parliamentary ethics committee.

Speaker Om Birla announced the decision, stating, "This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra's conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP." The expulsion stirred political reactions, with West Bengal BJP Chief Suvendu Adhikari attributing it to the "curse of Maa Kali."

The parliamentary ethics committee's report, submitted on the same day, addressed allegations of cash-for-query against the Trinamool Congress MP. Despite the gravity of the situation, Moitra was denied the opportunity to address the Parliament. TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay sought permission for Moitra to present her side, stating that she should be the spokesperson for her party in light of the allegations.

Earlier, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee revealed that the party had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to provide a hard copy of the ethics panel report and requesting a 48-hour period for a thorough review. The report had been scheduled for discussion on December 4 but was not tabled, prompting opposition members to call for a detailed discussion before any decision on Moitra's fate.

The parliamentary ethics committee, chaired by Vinod Kumar Sonkar, had recommended Moitra's expulsion during a meeting on November 9. The report was adopted with the support of six committee members, while four members submitted dissent notes. The controversy originated from a complaint forwarded by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, accusing Moitra of accepting bribes for posing questions in the House. This complaint triggered a political debate, involving accusations exchanged between Moitra and Dubey.

The ethics committee initiated its inquiry on October 26, where evidence was presented by both the complainant and Moitra. However, during Moitra's testimony on November 2, opposition members walked out, citing inappropriate behavior by the committee chairman towards Moitra. The ongoing Winter Session of Parliament adds complexity to the situation, as opposition parties are pushing for a discussion on the report's recommendations before a decision is made regarding Moitra's expulsion.