This Article is From Mar 16, 2016

'Thief, Thief': Opposition vs Trinamool In Parliament Over Alleged Sting

Mamata Banerjee's party men are entangled in a sting purportedly showing them taking bribe

New Delhi: Video in which ministers and lawmakers of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress are seen accepting cash - described by the party as doctored footage - led to an uproar in Parliament today. NDTV cannot verify the authenticity of the video, released by a news website naradanews.com.

Here are 10 developments in the story:

  1. "The video from Narada news.com should be investigated and prompt action should be taken," said SS Ahluwalia, the BJP's only parliamentarian from Bengal.

  2. The demand was echoed by Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury, who said: "From Sharada to Narada, Trinamool is involved in loot. The dignity of Parliament has been compromised."

  3. The Left's Mohammad Salim, who cried "Thief, thief" in the Lok Sabha, let loose a sharp offensive, saying, "We feel horrible to sit with such people."

  4. During a shouting match with the Left, Trinamool lawmaker Saugata Roy, who is also seen in the footage, alleged a political conspiracy against his party ahead of the election that begins next month in Bengal.

  5. The Election Commission has said that it will investigate the footage.

  6. The alleged sting, Narada claims, was conducted over two years with reporters presenting themselves as representatives of a firm that was willing to pay cash for favours.

  7. Those seen in the video include former minister Madan Mitra. Before he was arrested for the Ponzi scheme known as the Saradha scam, he is seen lying down on a bed while the money is placed near him. Mr Mitra will contest the state election, his party has said.

  8. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said, "Our government will come back no matter what conspiracy is plotted against us."

  9. Six members of Parliament and five state assembly legislators are filmed.

  10. Among them, Mukul Roy of the Rajya Sabha is the only lawmaker who does not take cash on camera. He asks the man offering Rs 20 lakh to deposit it at his office, gives him an address.



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