‘Lost my uterus but gained…’: Trinamool’s Mahua Moitra on Lok Sabha suspension

Mahua Moitra, a Trinamool MP, was expelled from the Lok Sabha last December over allegations of cash-for-query. She recently criticized the central government for suspending her from the last Lok Sabha session, claiming that her removal cost the BJP 63 seats in the general election.

Speaking during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address to a joint session of Parliament, Moitra drew a parallel to Lord Krishna protecting Draupadi, saying the people of Krishnanagar have similarly protected her. She recounted how many people told her she had lost a lot, including her membership and her house in Delhi. She also mentioned losing her uterus to surgery. “But you know what I gained?” she asked.

Moitra said she gained “freedom from fear,” echoing Rahul Gandhi’s words. She declared that she does not fear the government or its agencies like the ED, CBI, income-tax department, trolls, media, or judges. “We will see the end of you,” she asserted.

She also criticized Prime Minister Modi for previously claiming in Parliament that he alone outweighed the Opposition. She pointed out the number of constituencies where the BJP lost in 2024 after Modi campaigned there.

Moitra condemned the installation of the Sengol in Parliament, calling it a symbol of monarchy. She argued that the BJP’s rule has been diminished by the country’s democracy. “This is not a stable government. It relies on multiple allies who have a history of changing sides. We are 234 warriors this time, having walked on fire. You will not be able to treat us like last time,” she said.

Moitra also challenged the government’s claims of women empowerment, calling them false. She accused the government of delaying reservation in Parliament because they fear women’s power. She noted that there are only 74 women MPs this time, with the BJP having just 30 out of 240. In contrast, the TMC had 37 percent women MPs last time and 38 percent this time. “While we have empowered three lakh ’lakhpati didis’, the BJP seems focused on creating ‘arabpati dadas’,” Moitra said.