Trinamool Leader's Confirmation Raises Anticipation
Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Trinamool leader in the Lok Sabha, confirmed to reporters that the Ethics Committee Report, accompanied by a resolution, would be tabled tomorrow. His statement underscored the heightened anticipation surrounding the unfolding parliamentary drama.
Time Crunch: Opposition Appeals for Extended Debate
Expressing concerns about the potential time constraints, Bandyopadhyay emphasized the necessity for each party within the INDIA bloc to voice their opposition. He recounted, "I told the Speaker that you have to give us time to speak as every party of the INDIA bloc has opposed it and would want to speak." However, he acknowledged the Speaker's inclination to conclude proceedings within 30 minutes, setting the stage for a race against time.
Whips Issued Across Major Political Parties
In a rare show of unity, major political entities, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Congress, and the Trinamool, have issued whips mandating the presence of their members in the House. This concerted effort signals the gravity of the impending debate and vote.
Majority Opinion to Determine Outcome
Once the report is tabled, the Lok Sabha Speaker will navigate a resolution, seeking the prevailing sentiment within the House. The decision will hinge on the majority opinion, adding an additional layer of intensity to the proceedings.
Opposition's Call for Deliberation
Opposition members are steadfast in their demand for a comprehensive discussion before any decision on Mahua Moitra's expulsion is made. Bahujan Samaj Party MP Danish Ali, a member of the Ethics Committee, emphasized, "If the report is tabled, we would insist on a full-fledged discussion." This insistence stems from concerns over the rapid adoption of the draft in a mere two-and-a-half minutes during the committee's meeting on November 9.
Controversial Committee Meeting Outcome
At the November 9 meeting, the Ethics Committee, led by BJP’s Vinod Kumar Sonkar, adopted the report recommending Moitra’s expulsion. Six members, including suspended Congress MP Preneet Kaur, supported the recommendation, while four members from Opposition parties submitted dissenting notes. The aftermath of this controversial meeting sets the stage for a contentious parliamentary session, with deep divisions evident within the committee.
