Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his disapproval on Monday regarding the circulation of edited images featuring him alongside Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, denouncing it as a tactic of “low-level politics.” He contended that he was being targeted with the manipulated image taken during a gathering.
Tharoor emphasized his commitment to serving the people and regarded such trolling as a manifestation of base politics. He downplayed the significance of the situation, clarifying that it was merely a birthday celebration, attended by approximately 15 individuals, including his sister.
Mahua Moitra responded strongly to the circulated images, attributing their dissemination on social media to the BJP’s troll network. She displayed a sense of humor, commenting on her preferred choice of attire in the photos and questioned the need for cropping the images, suggesting they should show the other people present at the dinner.
In an earlier communication addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused the TMC member of multiple transgressions, including a “serious Breach of Privilege,” “Contempt of the House,” and a “criminal offense under Section 120A of IPC.” He lodged a complaint with the Lokpal, alleging that Moitra received a sum of Rs 2 crores in cash from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in both Indian and foreign currencies, in exchange for posing questions in Parliament. Furthermore, he alleged that Hiranandani utilized Moitra’s Lok Sabha login credentials while she was abroad.
Dubey’s complaint was supported by a letter from Jai Anant Dehadrai, an Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, presenting detailed evidence of the alleged bribery. The letter highlighted the specific instances and circumstances surrounding Moitra’s receipt of funds from Darshan Hiranandani for parliamentary questions.
On a different note, Hiranandani submitted a “sworn” and notarized affidavit to the Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha on Friday. The Dubai-based businessman, who later became an approver in the case, claimed that Moitra had provided him with her “Parliament login and password” to post questions on her behalf when necessary.
In response to the affidavit, Moitra questioned its authenticity due to it being on plain white paper without official letterhead or notarization, implying potential coercion in obtaining Hiranandani’s statement.
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