Moitra has also been repeatedly targeted by BJP supporters during visits to her constituency. She has faced protests, heckling and alleged that objects were thrown at her. Her supporters have accused the BJP of trying to intimidate her and prevent her from carrying out her duties as an elected representative.
The issue of her security reached Calcutta High Court after a recent incident in which she was confronted during a political programme in Chapra, Nadia. A day before the latest FIR, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed the state police to provide security to Moitra whenever she enters her Lok Sabha constituency. Two police personnel are to be deployed during her visits for the next 30 days.
The court took a strong view of the incidents involving the MP and said an elected representative should not be obstructed from performing her duties. “Attacking an MP is unacceptable,” the judge observed, directing the state to ensure that Moitra does not face harassment or obstruction while visiting her constituency.
TMC leader Pratikur Rehman accused the BJP of targeting Opposition MPs and said those who could not be “bought” were being harassed. “People like Mahua Moitra who could not be bought by them and are raising their voices against the BJP and joining movements like CJP are being targeted by the ruling dispensation. This is just to harass her,” he said.
Left leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya also criticised the BJP and RSS, saying they were “extremely scared” of criticism. He said, “So, anyone who speaks against them would obviously be targeted. BJP and the RSS are constantly trying to create a divide in the society and are very scared. So, they can’t take any opposition or criticism against them.”
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