The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has said that it will decide on whether to summon Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in connection with the 'cash for query' row after October 26.
The committee has summoned BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai to appear before it on October 26 to provide evidence to support their allegations against Moitra.
Dubey has alleged that Moitra took bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Parliament, particularly about the Adani Group - a rival of real-estate conglomerate Hiranandani Group.
Moitra has denied the allegations, calling them "baseless" and "defamatory." She has also accused Hiranandani of being a "BJP stooge" and trying to malign her reputation.
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is a 15-member committee headed by BJP MP Vinod Sonkar. The committee has the power to summon witnesses and examine evidence.
If the committee finds Moitra guilty of the allegations against her, it can recommend that she be suspended from Parliament or even expelled.
The 'cash for query' row has raised serious questions about the integrity of Parliament and the role of money in politics. It has also put the TMC government in West Bengal under the scanner.
The TMC has defended Moitra, saying that she is a "victim of a political conspiracy." The party has also accused the BJP of trying to tarnish the image of the TMC and its leaders.
The 'cash for query' row is likely to have a significant impact on Indian politics. It is a case that is being watched closely by both the opposition and the ruling party.
It is important to note that Moitra has not been convicted of any crime and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.