Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress leader, publicly backed TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday after she alleged that the Nadia district administration attempted to evict her from a circuit house late at night. Moitra, who represents Krishnanagar, accused officials of pressuring her to vacate the premises in the middle of the night, claiming the action was intended to harass her. Her claims gained attention as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with Moitra describing the incident as emblematic of the current state of democracy in the country. Moitra detailed the events in a midnight post on August 15, stating that she was asked to leave her room in the official guest house at 21:47 hours and again at 22:52 hours. She noted that a crowd of BJP supporters had gathered outside the gates, chanting slogans such as “Jai Shree Ram,” and that they appeared to be “baying for her blood.” According to her account, she had arrived at the circuit house around 6:15 p.m., was shown to her usual room, and was served tea and dinner within the premises. At 9:47 p.m., she received a call from the additional district magistrate of Nadia, who instructed her to vacate the premises, citing an order from higher authorities. Moitra questioned the rationale behind the sudden demand, noting that the directive seemed arbitrary and lacked transparency. In response to Moitra’s allegations, Tharoor condemned the government’s actions, urging all democrats to stand in solidarity with her. He emphasized that the government should prioritize the safety of female lawmakers rather than subject them to such pressures. “Such elementary considerations should not be spelt out in a democracy, least of all on the day that marks the culmination of our freedom struggle,” Tharoor stated. His message carried the hashtag #StandWithMahua, reflecting his public endorsement of Moitra’s position. Moitra subsequently wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting urgent intervention and expressing concern over the safety and dignity of women MPs. In her letter, she highlighted that the incident raised critical questions about the treatment of female legislators and the effectiveness of existing protections. She also referenced the Women’s Reservation Bill, suggesting that efforts to increase representation for women in Parliament would be meaningless if sitting MPs faced threats to their personal safety. Moitra warned that the current environment posed a real danger to women in politics, especially those who are vulnerable due to their gender. The controversy escalated further when Moitra revealed that she had received a WhatsApp message at 10:52 p.m. containing an order from the Nadia district administration. The document stated that the circuit house would be closed for maintenance from the evening of August 14 until further notice, with only previously confirmed reservations being exempt. Moitra pointed out that she had not been informed of these restrictions either when making her reservation or upon arrival at the circuit house. This lack of communication, combined with the timing of the eviction attempt, fueled her belief that the authorities were acting with deliberate intent. Moitra also described how a large crowd gathered outside the circuit house shortly after she refused to vacate, chanting religious slogans and creating a hostile atmosphere. She argued that the location, adjacent to the residences of the district magistrate and the superintendent of police, should have offered greater security, yet she felt exposed and vulnerable. Despite her repeated attempts to clarify the situation, there was no immediate response from the Nadia district administration. Political figures from other parties have since voiced their disapproval of the incident. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee accused the ruling party of using state machinery to intimidate a woman MP, while Congress leader Pawan Khera and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the handling of the case. Moitra, meanwhile, has hinted at taking legal action, including the possibility of moving a privilege motion in the Lok Sabha or approaching the Calcutta High Court. As the situation unfolds, the broader implications for the rights and safety of women in Indian politics continue to draw widespread scrutiny.
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