In his letter, Dubey cited procedural concerns, accusing Chowdhury of exceeding the scope of his mandate and obstructing investigations into matters of public interest. The letter urged the Speaker to intervene, alleging that Chowdhury had been selectively prioritizing issues that could politically benefit the opposition, particularly in the upcoming elections.
The context of this request follows heightened scrutiny of parliamentary oversight, as the PAC continues to examine critical national projects. Dubey has claimed that the integrity of committee proceedings is at risk under Chowdhury's leadership. He expressed concerns that Venugopal, in his capacity as the PAC chairman, has been biased, allowing political considerations to overshadow impartial parliamentary review.
The PAC, one of the most important bodies within India's parliamentary system, plays a critical role in auditing the government's spending. The allegations against Chowdhury are significant, as they challenge the non-partisan nature of this committee, which traditionally operates independently of political pressures. Chowdhury, a veteran Congress leader, has held the PAC chairmanship since 2019, and his tenure has been marked by both praise for his diligence and criticism from ruling party members like Dubey.
This political clash is further exacerbated by the ongoing ethics committee investigation into TMC MP Mahua Moitra. Dubey, a key player in this probe, has also taken a lead role in raising concerns about Moitra’s alleged involvement in a gifts-for-query scandal. According to allegations, Moitra received benefits from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in Parliament, which she has strongly denied. Dubey, however, insists that the evidence against her is overwhelming and has demanded stringent action.
Both of these matters—Dubey’s concerns over the PAC and the investigation into Moitra—have underscored the growing tensions within parliamentary oversight functions. Opposition members have also accused Dubey of using these committees as a political weapon to undermine their credibility. The opposition's walkout from the ethics committee hearing into Moitra's case illustrates the deepening rift between government and opposition members over the functioning of parliamentary bodies.