In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra vehemently criticized the BJP, asserting that her expulsion from the Lok Sabha serves as a "badge of honor" amid the prevailing BJP-led administration. Moitra, currently contesting from West Bengal's Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency, emphasized that despite the adversities, there remain courageous voices standing up against what she perceives as the "threats" to democracy.
Last year, Moitra, renowned for her outspokenness and impassioned debates in the Lok Sabha, faced expulsion from the Lower House following a parliamentary Ethics Committee's report accusing her of accepting gifts and illegal gratifications—a charge she vehemently refutes.
During her interview with India Today, Moitra underscored the significance of her electoral campaign, emphasizing her nearly five-year representation of her constituency's populace. "I am committed to this fight. The ED and CBI may be pursuing me, but I am fulfilling my responsibilities, and ultimately, it is the people who will decide in the elections," she affirmed, responding to queries regarding the Enforcement Directorate's initiation of a money laundering investigation against her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani in connection with the cash-for-query controversy.
Moitra's expulsion under the current government, she asserted, only strengthens her resolve, portraying it as a symbol of resistance. "Scarce voices are daring to challenge the erosion of democracy," she remarked.
When pressed about potential arrests by the ED, Moitra remained undaunted, suggesting that such actions would only bolster her support, jesting that every such event would add 20,000 votes to her tally. She ridiculed the BJP's electoral slogan "ab ki baar, 400 paar" (This time, we'll cross 400 seats), accusing the party of instilling fear in the opposition. "If the ED or CBI come knocking tomorrow, they might invoke the UAPA against me. But we are not intimidated; it is the BJP who fears us," she retorted.
Moitra affirmed her commitment to addressing pertinent issues, taking veiled digs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah, criticizing what she perceives as their monopolization of power.
Reflecting on her electoral opponent, Rajmata Amrita Roy of the BJP, Moitra dismissed any personal rivalry, emphasizing that her contest is against the BJP and its authoritarian tendencies. "This is my constituency, and it is a battle against BJP and fascist forces, regardless of the candidate," she declared.
Moitra accused the BJP of being out of touch with the realities of West Bengal, emphasizing the disconnect between the party and the state's populace.
Regarding the Sandeshkhali incident, which the media has highlighted, Moitra dismissed it as a manufactured controversy. She defended the dignity of women in West Bengal, dismissing sensationalized claims made by the BJP.
Responding to the recent defection of former Calcutta High Court judge Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay to the BJP, Moitra expressed little surprise, attributing it to the BJP's systematic erosion of institutional integrity. "This is just the beginning," she remarked ominously, hinting at further subversions to come.
