What Explains Moitra’s Isolation In Her Own Party?

Even though TMC MP Mahua Moitra is projecting a defiant stance, it is no secret that she finds herself isolated in her own party, the TMC. Her controversial remarks on Goddess Kali at a news TV event, have neither sat well with her party, and as it appears, nor with her party chief, Mamata Banerjee.

TMC Distancing Itself From Moitra

The party was quick to distance itself from Moitra’s remarks. The party tweeted, “The comments made by @MahuaMoitra at the #IndiaTodayConclaveEast2022 and her views expressed on Goddess Kali have been made in her personal capacity and are NOT ENDORSED BY THE PARTY in ANY MANNER OR FORM. All India Trinamool Congress strongly condemns such comments.”

Moitra, instead of expressing regret, unfollowed the party’s Twitter handle and went on a tirade against the BJP, obfuscating her party’s clear stand against her remarks.

Moitra’s Controversies

Moitra has been known for being in the headlines, one way or another. During one of her Lok Sabha speeches, she insinuated people practising Jainism consuming meat, displaying her flawed understanding of secularism. With her comments, she managed to offend the Jain community, who consider vegetarianism a core practice of their religion.

Public Rebuke From Mamata

In December 2021, Moitra faced Banerjee’s wrath during a meeting ahead of civic polls in Bengal. Banerjee rebuked her for infighting and planting stories on social media against her rivals within the party.

She said, “Mahua, let me give you a clear message here. I do not see who is in whose favour or against. I do not believe in the politics of putting up a show on YouTube, paper, digital etc. This kind of politics cannot sustain for long. And it is not right to expect that one person will be at one post forever.”

In the video that went viral, Moitra was seen nodding her head, in contrast to the image she often portrays of a rebel.

TMC Afraid To Displease Non-Bengali Hindus?

Though TMC has not taken any strict action against Moitra for her comments and her open defiance, the distancing has come amidst Banerjee’s plans to expand the TMC beyond West Bengal.

Banerjee, who normally does not leave any opportunity to play the Bengali card, is carefully balancing herself on the current controversy.

Recently, the TMC, which was hoping to make a mark in the Goa state elections, drew a complete blank indicating the limited reach the party has nationally. Interestingly, it was Moitra who was heading the state unit during the elections. After the defeat, she was replaced by Kirti Azad.

Also Read: Mahua Moitra And 'Siddhartha Hamsa-Nyaya': Why The Hindumisic TMC MP Needs To Be Called Out