Lok Sabha Ethics Committee receives affidavit from Darshan Hiranandani against Mahua Moitra
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha ethics committee announced today that it has received an affidavit from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani, accusing Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra of accepting bribes to ask questions in Parliament. The committee confirmed its intention to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations.
In his affidavit, Hiranandani alleged that Moitra frequently demanded favors from him, including expensive luxury items, and provided him with her Parliament login credentials. He also claimed that she viewed attacking the Adani Group as a means to gain fame.
The accusations were brought to light by BJP's Nishikant Dubey, who accused the Trinamool leader of breaching parliamentary privilege, contempt of the House, and criminal conspiracy, during a session presided over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Vinod Sonkar, the head of the ethics committee, confirmed in an exclusive statement to NDTV, "We have received Darshan Hiranandani's affidavit. The committee will hear Mr. Dubey's complaint on October 26. He has been asked to present evidence in front of the committee."
Describing the allegations as extremely grave, Sonkar stated that the committee would thoroughly examine Dubey's letter and Hiranandani's affidavit. The committee also plans to hear Moitra's version, who has vehemently denied the charges and expressed her readiness for any inquiry.
"The allegations are very serious. The case has gone beyond the prima facie evidence which is why we are examining it," Sonkar emphasized.
In response to the accusations, Moitra, the Lok Sabha MP representing Krishnanagar in West Bengal, has sought a permanent injunction against Dubey, Dehadrai, social media platform X, search engine Google, and YouTube. She aims to restrain them from making, publishing, and circulating defamatory, false, and malicious statements against her.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
