The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a pointed critique against the BJP-led central government, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) expressed concerns on Wednesday that the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons to Mahua Moitra, their candidate from Krishnanagar, constitutes a clear instance of vendetta politics. This move is perceived as a calculated attempt to exploit federal agencies for political gains in the upcoming elections.
The ED has extended an invitation for questioning to Moitra along with Darshan Hiranandani, a businessman based in Dubai, in relation to a case involving a potential breach of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The interrogation is scheduled for March 28, as confirmed by official sources.
Krishanu Mitra, a spokesperson for the TMC, condemned the summons as an act of political retaliation aimed at Moitra by the BJP, accusing the ruling party of lacking substantive issues to contest the TMC and resorting to the manipulation of central agencies as the elections approach. Mitra emphasized the BJP’s perceived desperation, leveraging every tool within their reach to shift public opinion in their favor.
Mitra highlighted the series of challenges faced by Moitra, including being barred from presenting her defense before a parliamentary panel, subsequent expulsion, and raids conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as well as the latest ED summons. He argued that such tactics would not benefit the BJP.
In response, state BJP leader Rahul Sinha castigated the TMC for its alleged endemic corruption, noting that the party consistently claims political motivation behind any legal scrutiny they face. Sinha accused Moitra of actions that undermine the integrity of parliamentary democracy.
Moitra, aged 49, a prominent figure within the Trinamool Congress, has previously been summoned by the ED but was unable to attend due to official commitments, requesting a postponement. These developments follow closely on the heels of a CBI raid at her premises, part of an investigation into a cash-for-query case prompted by directives from the Lokpal, based on accusations from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.