The decision, reached by a Parliamentary Ethics Committee with a split vote of 6-4 among its 10 members, was based on Moitra allegedly sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials and accepting gifts in exchange for posing questions in Parliament. Moitra, aged 49, protested the committee’s proceedings, denouncing the questions as sexist and labeling it a “vastaharan” or disrobing.
Despite Moitra’s expulsion, the aftermath took an interesting turn. The IN.D.I.A alliance, which seemed to be fracturing after the Congress’s defeat in three state elections against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), found an unexpected occasion for unity in Parliament—albeit temporarily, for a photo opportunity.
This incident parallels the fate of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier in the year when a Gujarat court sentenced him to the maximum two-year term for allegedly defaming the surname ‘Modi.’ Gandhi was swiftly disqualified as an MP, but the Supreme Court later suspended his conviction for defamation, restoring his parliamentary membership. The sequence of events involving Moitra and Gandhi raises speculation in the political arena about repercussions for naming specific businessmen, particularly focusing on Gautam Adani.
Source: The Hindu
As Moitra exited Parliament, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the entire Opposition stood in solidarity, prompting questions about whether her expulsion would serve as a catalyst for renewed unity or remain a fleeting moment. The Opposition had appeared fragmented since the state election results on December 3, with regional parties expressing dissatisfaction with the Congress’s reluctance to share seats or collaborate in the polls.
The I.N.D.I.A alliance, with its fundamental fault line of the Congress’s determination to contest independently in all states, faced challenges in improving bargaining power with regional parties. The alliance’s cohesion may now hinge on the regional players’ increased bargaining ground vis-a-vis the Congress.
Source: India Today
Post-election, some opposition parties may reconsider alliances, especially in states where the Congress is in collaboration with ruling parties. Efforts within the I.N.D.I.A alliance persist, with reports suggesting a senior Left leader proposing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the convenor. The Left prefers Kumar over West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, given historical tensions.
However, contradictions emerge, such as in Kerala, where the ruling Left suggests Rahul Gandhi contest from outside the state. Despite the complexities, opposition parties aim to stay united. Moitra’s expulsion, though marked by mistakes, prompted a show of solidarity among opposition parties on December 8, raising hopes for continued collaboration in the 2024 general elections.
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