The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday, 1 September directed the West Bengal Police to deploy adequate armed security for All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra whenever she visits her Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency, following allegations that she was pelted with eggs during a recent visit. The order, passed by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, mandates a minimum of two armed police personnel to accompany her at all times during constituency visits for the next 30 days.

What the Court Ordered

Justice Bhattacharyya stipulated that Moitra must inform the police in advance of the specific dates she intends to visit the constituency so that security arrangements can be made accordingly. The court made clear that no one should be allowed to harass her or obstruct her parliamentary duties. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for 1 October.

The court's observation was pointed: 'Attacking an MP is not desired. The state should deal with the matter strictly. It should be ensured that MPs are not hindered in their work in their own areas.'

Moitra's Allegations Before the Court

Approaching the court, Moitra alleged that protests erupt around her every time she visits her constituency and that the disturbances are 'politically motivated,' preventing her from carrying out her duties as a people's representative. Her lawyer, Kalyan Banerjee, told the court that eggs, potatoes, and stones have been thrown at his client during constituency visits, and that she has not been provided any security as an MP.

Banerjee drew a pointed contrast: 'The MPs who have recently left Trinamool Congress and joined other political parties are being provided security. But those who have not joined any other party are being attacked.' The argument appeared to resonate with the bench, which promptly issued the directive to the state police.

Fresh Protests on the Same Day

In a striking coincidence, even as the court was passing its order in Kolkata, Moitra faced fresh protests in Nadia district's Chapra while attending a TMC workers' conference. Protesters allegedly showed black flags and raised 'Go back' slogans around her vehicle as she was leaving the event. Police reached the spot to control the situation after political tension spread in the area.

Speaking to the media earlier in the day, Moitra alleged: 'This chaos is being created with the help of party defectors and the BJP.' She labelled TMC leaders who had switched sides as 'dishonest' and referenced punitive action taken against Zilla Parishad members for anti-party activities.

BJP's Counter-Claim

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied involvement in the protests. Chapra BJP IT cell in-charge Gopal Das and local resident Ambarjit Roy alleged that Moitra herself is responsible for what they described as unrest, drug trade, and extortion politics in the Chapra area. They claimed that ordinary residents — not BJP workers — had shown the black flags in protest over allegations of insulting Hindu deities, and that the party had no role in the incident.

What Happens Next

The 30-day security cover will be reviewed at the next court hearing on 1 October. The episode underscores deepening political friction within West Bengal's ruling establishment and raises broader questions about the safety of elected representatives in their own constituencies. Whether the state government moves to extend or formalise the security arrangement beyond the court-mandated window will be closely watched.