Mahua Moitra Sparks Controversy With Remarks on Bangladesh

Kolkata:

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has found herself at the centre of controversy following her recent remarks about Bangladesh and India during an online discussion that surfaced on social media over the weekend.

In a video clip that has gone viral on Facebook and other platforms, Moitra is heard stating, “No Bangladeshi wants to infiltrate India. Bangladesh has better infrastructure and quality of life than us. No one wants to live in India.” The video was posted by the Facebook page ‘Political Kida’ and has since been widely shared and debated.

The remarks were made during what appears to be a digital interview or podcast, where Moitra was seen speaking to a host about the issue of illegal immigration and the BJP’s stance on infiltrators from Bangladesh.

The TMC MP’s comments have triggered a wave of reactions across political and social circles. Members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned her remarks, accusing her of “insulting India” and “whitewashing illegal immigration”. BJP leaders have demanded an apology, arguing that such statements undermine national security concerns and demoralise border enforcement agencies.

Mahua Moitra, known for her fiery speeches and outspoken criticism of the Central government, has not yet issued any clarification or retraction. Her comments, however, are in line with her earlier positions where she has accused the government of using the “infiltrator narrative” as a political tool, particularly in West Bengal and Assam.

Political analysts say her remarks could be viewed as part of a broader political strategy in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, where immigration from neighbouring Bangladesh remains a contentious topic.

While supporters of Moitra argue that she was merely criticising the state of infrastructure and quality of life in India under the present government, others say the comparison with Bangladesh was “ill-judged and inflammatory”. Several netizens also took to social media to express outrage, calling the statement “unpatriotic” and “misleading”.

As of Sunday evening, no official complaint had been filed, though legal experts note that such statements could be examined under provisions related to public order and national security, if found provocative.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has not commented on the matter. However, senior government sources said that agencies are “aware of the video” and “monitoring the fallout”.

Mahua Moitra was recently in the headlines over other controversies, including allegations related to ethical conduct in Parliament. This latest development is likely to add to the political friction between the TMC and BJP, particularly as the issue of cross-border migration remains politically sensitive.

Whether Moitra will address the criticism or stand by her remarks remains to be seen.