Mahua Moitra’s Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz, Clarification Follows
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has triggered fresh political chatter in West Bengal after speaking warmly about her past association with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, recalling the support he extended to her during the early years of her political career.
In an interview with the BBC, the Krishnanagar MP reflected on her relationship with Adhikari when both leaders were part of the Trinamool Congress, describing it as a positive and supportive association despite their current political differences.
“At a personal level, I have had a very good relationship with Suvendu Adhikari. When we were in the TMC together, he supported me a lot,” Moitra said.
Moitra Recalls Early Political Support
The TMC leader recounted her disappointment during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when she was not selected as a party candidate despite expecting a ticket.
According to Moitra, Adhikari was among the few leaders who stood by her during that period.
“In 2014, I was supposed to get a Lok Sabha ticket, but I did not get it. I cried the whole night. At that time, Suvendu was there to reassure me,” she said.
Moitra also referred to her first Assembly election campaign from Karimpur in 2016, claiming Adhikari played a significant role in supporting her candidacy.
“When I first contested from Karimpur, no one came to campaign for me. The first rally was done by Suvendu Adhikari. Even today, you can see the pictures,” she said.
Clarifies Remarks Amid Speculation
The comments quickly drew attention on social media and fuelled speculation about their political significance, given the intense rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal.
Moitra later sought to clarify her remarks, stating that her observations were limited to Adhikari’s role when he was still a member of the Trinamool Congress.
Responding to a post on X, she said excerpts from the interview had been taken out of context.
“Yes, it is cherry picked. Please listen to the full interview. Suvendu is no angel but he had the guts to leave and fight on their ticket unlike these traitors. And I had a good relationship with him while he was in our party but have never spoken to him since he left,” she wrote.
From TMC Colleagues To Political Rivals
Adhikari was once one of the Trinamool Congress’s most influential leaders before quitting the party in 2020 and joining the BJP ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Since then, he has emerged as one of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s fiercest political opponents and currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.
Despite the political divide, Moitra’s remarks offered a glimpse into the personal relationships that existed within the TMC before Adhikari’s departure from the party.
Remarks Draw Attention Amid Political Turbulence
Moitra’s comments come at a time when political developments within the Trinamool Congress continue to attract attention in West Bengal.
Against this backdrop, her recollections of Adhikari and acknowledgement of his support during her early political journey have become a talking point, prompting discussion across Bengal’s political landscape.
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