An Ethics Committee report on cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is expected in the Lok Sabha today. If tabled, the report, which recommends Ms Moitra be expelled, will trigger an explosive stand-off between the ruling BJP and the opposition, which has demanded a division of votes to determine the Trinamool leader’s immediate political future.

Mahua Moitra, who can only be expelled if the House votes in favour of the Ethics Committee’s report, which declared it found her actions “highly objectionable, unethical, heinous and criminal”.

 confident, and typically fierce, Ms Moitra strode into Parliament this morning, pausing only to tell reporters, “Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge…Jab naash manuj par chhata hai, pehle vivek mar jaata hai (Maa Durga has come! Now we will see.. when destruction comes, conscience dies first).”

The BJP, though, is believed to be well-prepped and a three-line whip (the strictest possible) was issued to its MPs; this means they are expected to be present and vote in line with the party’s position.

The report was to have been tabled on Monday, the opening day of this session of Parliament, which concludes on December 22.