Mahua Moitra’s Circuit House Controversy: What Triggered the Row and Shashi Tharoor’s Response?

Mahua Moitra’s Circuit House Row: Late-Night Eviction Claim Triggers Security Concerns

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has accused the Nadia district administration of asking her to vacate a Circuit House in Krishnanagar late at night, hours after she had checked in and been served tea and dinner.

The Krishnanagar MP has sought Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s intervention, arguing that the incident raised concerns over the safety and dignity of women parliamentarians. She has also indicated that she may approach the Calcutta High Court and consider moving a privilege motion in Parliament.

What Happened at the Circuit House?

According to Moitra, she reached the Nadia Circuit House at around 6.15 pm on Friday after attending a Parliament session. She said she was allotted her usual room, which had been prepared for her.

Moitra said she was served tea at around 7 pm and dinner at approximately 9.20 pm. However, at 9.47 pm, she received a call from the additional district magistrate asking her to vacate the premises.

When she sought an explanation, Moitra said the officer told her that the instruction had “come from the top” and that he was merely communicating it.

Why Was She Asked to Leave?

Moitra said the district administration later sent her a WhatsApp message containing an order stating that the Circuit House would remain unavailable from the evening of August 14 for annual maintenance, upkeep and cleaning.

However, the order reportedly stated that reservations confirmed before August 13 would be exempt from the restriction.

Moitra questioned why she was permitted to check in, given a prepared room and served meals if the premises had already been placed under restrictions. She also questioned why the administration did not inform her before she arrived.

What Happened Outside?

Moitra alleged that a crowd gathered outside the Circuit House around 11 pm after she declined to leave and shouted “Jai Shree Ram” slogans.

She described the situation as intimidating, particularly because she was staying alone. Moitra also highlighted that the Circuit House is located opposite the residences of the district magistrate and superintendent of police, which she said should make it a secure location.

Why Did Moitra Write to Om Birla?

In her letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Moitra argued that MPs are entitled to accommodation at Circuit Houses while visiting their constituencies.

She said asking a woman MP travelling alone to leave government accommodation late at night raised serious security concerns. She urged the Speaker to intervene and ensure the dignity and safety of women parliamentarians.

Moitra also referred to the Women’s Reservation Bill, arguing that increasing women’s representation in Parliament must be accompanied by measures ensuring their basic safety and protection.

Shashi Tharoor Extends Support

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed solidarity with Moitra and said the government should provide security if a crowd was allegedly targeting her rather than asking her to leave government accommodation.

The controversy has since sparked a wider political debate over the treatment and security of women lawmakers visiting their constituencies.