Allegations of Bribery Emerge: Mahua Moitra Rebuts Claims of Forcing Businessman's Gifts
TMC MP Accuses PMO of Orchestrating Unfounded Allegations, While Businessman Defends PM Modi
NEW-DELHI: A Startling Controversy has unfolded as businessman Darshan Hiranandani has leveled grave accusations against TMC MP Mahua Moitra, alleging coercion and bribery. In response, Mahua Moitra has fired back with her own version of events, questioning the integrity of Darshan Hiranandani's claims and accusing the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of orchestrating a conspiracy.
In a two-page press release, Mahua Moitra raised a perplexing question: why would a wealthy and influential businessman like Hiranandani, who has direct access to ministers and the PMO, succumb to pressure from a first-time MP to provide gifts and fulfill his demands? Moitra asserted that the entire narrative lacked logic, going as far as to insinuate that the letter in question was not drafted by Darshan Hiranandani but by the PMO itself. Moitra firmly denied allegations of accepting cash and gifts from the businessman.
Moreover, Moitra made a startling claim, alleging that the PMO had held Darshan Hiranandani and his father at metaphorical gunpoint, coercing them into signing a letter within a mere 20 minutes. She contended that the businessman and his family were threatened with the prospect of their entire business being forcibly shut down.
Expanding on her stance, Moitra stated that the BJP government's motive was to silence her regarding the Adani issue. She challenged the authenticity of Hiranandani's affidavit, highlighting that he had not been summoned by any investigative agency. Moitra asserted, "The BJP government is eagerly waiting to somehow shut me up on the Adani issue."
In a candid dismissal, Moitra speculated that the letter was likely crafted by an individual from the PMO with affiliations to the BJP's IT cell, characterizing the document as the work of an amateur writer. She pointed out the absence of a press conference held by Darshan Hiranandani to substantiate his allegations, emphasizing the lack of transparency in this regard.
In response, Darshan Hiranandani, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hiranandani Group, a conglomerate operating in sectors ranging from real estate to energy, accused Mahua Moitra of attempting to tarnish the reputation of PM Narendra Modi. Hiranandani suggested that her intention was to defame the Prime Minister, as his unblemished reputation made it difficult for opposition parties to mount attacks based on his policies, governance, or personal conduct.
Hiranandani explained that Moitra had sought business opportunities in opposition-led states and envisioned gaining national prominence through personal attacks on Modi. He believed that Moitra aimed to exploit the rivalry between Prime Minister Modi and Gautam Adani, a fellow industrialist hailing from Gujarat. Adani's success had earned him admiration but also garnered critics in various spheres, providing Moitra with the leverage she sought to undermine the Prime Minister's image by targeting Adani.
Hiranandani revealed that Moitra had knowledge of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) selecting Dhamra as the location for his company's LNG terminal. Using this information, Moitra formulated questions aimed at embarrassing the Adani group and potentially causing friction within the government. Hiranandani surmised that she intended to present these questions in Parliament to question the government's actions. This controversy, marked by counterclaims and allegations, continues to unfold, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of business, politics, and personal interests.