Mahua Moitra faces police complaint in Nadia over 'burqa' remark row
Synopsis
A BJP leader in Nadia has filed a police complaint against TMC MP Mahua Moitra after her viral 'burqa' remark — made in response to BJP women gathering outside a court with eggs and tomatoes — drew accusations of communal provocation. The episode encapsulates the increasingly personal and volatile nature of BJP-TMC rivalry in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
BJP leader Hirak Bhattacharya filed a complaint against TMC MP Mahua Moitra at Hogalbaria police station , Karimpur, Nadia district , on 17 June .
The complaint alleges Moitra's remarks hurt religious sentiments and threaten Hindu-Muslim harmony in West Bengal .
The row was triggered by BJP women leaders gathering outside Krishnanagar District Sessions Court with eggs and tomatoes.
Moitra posted two Facebook videos in response, including a remark about throwing eggs 'wearing a burqa' that went viral.
Nadia district police confirmed receipt of the complaint and said they are examining the matter.
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra is facing a police complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Hirak Bhattacharya at the Hogalbaria police station in Karimpur, Nadia district, on Wednesday, 17 June, over remarks critics allege were provocative and communally divisive. The complaint accuses the Krishnanagar MP of repeatedly making statements that allegedly hurt religious sentiments and threaten Hindu-Muslim harmony in West Bengal.
What Triggered the Complaint
The sequence of events began when several BJP women leaders gathered outside the Krishnanagar District Sessions Court carrying eggs and tomatoes, reportedly anticipating Moitra's appearance in connection with an older legal matter. They indicated they intended to throw the items at her if she arrived.
Responding to the demonstration, Moitra posted two video statements on Facebook. In the first, she announced she would file a complaint at the local police station against all the women seen at the court premises. She warned that if the police failed to act, she would escalate the matter to court — including, if necessary, the Supreme Court.
The Remark That Went Viral
In her second video, Moitra said she would file a First Information Report (FIR) naming the women visible in footage of the incident. She then made a remark that drew sharp criticism: 'Instead of throwing eggs like this, throw eggs wearing a burqa. Then no one will see you. Then there will be no complaint against you.'
The statement spread rapidly across social media platforms. BJP leaders argued the comment was a deliberate attempt to inflame communal sentiment, prompting Bhattacharya to lodge the formal complaint.
Police Response
A senior officer of the Nadia district police confirmed that the complaint has been received and that authorities are examining the matter. No FIR had been registered against Moitra as of the latest reports.
Broader Context
The episode is the latest in a prolonged confrontation between Moitra and BJP leaders in West Bengal. Moitra, who returned to Parliament after winning the 2024 general elections from Krishnanagar, has frequently clashed with the BJP both in the legislature and in the public arena. Critics from the saffron camp argue her statements cross a legal line; her supporters contend the actions of BJP workers at the court premises warranted a forceful response. The Nadia district police's next steps will determine whether the complaint advances to a formal investigation.
Point of View
Social media videos, and police stations all serve as campaign terrain. Moitra's 'burqa' quip was sharp enough to hand the BJP a ready-made grievance, regardless of the provocation that preceded it. The more revealing question is why BJP women felt emboldened to stage an egg-and-tomato demonstration at a court premises in the first place — and whether Nadia police will apply the same scrutiny to that conduct as they do to the viral video. In a state where communal optics are weaponised by all sides, selective outrage rarely leads to accountability.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a police complaint filed against Mahua Moitra?
A BJP leader filed a complaint against TMC MP Mahua Moitra at Hogalbaria police station in Nadia district on 17 June, alleging her remarks were provocative and threatened Hindu-Muslim harmony in West Bengal. The complaint followed a viral video in which Moitra made a remark about throwing eggs 'wearing a burqa.'
What did Mahua Moitra say that caused the controversy?
In a Facebook video responding to BJP women who had gathered outside Krishnanagar District Sessions Court with eggs and tomatoes, Moitra said: 'Instead of throwing eggs like this, throw eggs wearing a burqa. Then no one will see you. Then there will be no complaint against you.' Critics alleged the remark was communally provocative.
Who filed the complaint and where?
BJP leader Hirak Bhattacharya filed the complaint at Hogalbaria police station in Karimpur, Nadia district, West Bengal. A senior Nadia district police officer confirmed the complaint has been received and is being examined.
What action has the police taken so far?
As of the latest reports, Nadia district police have confirmed receipt of the complaint and said they are looking into the matter. No FIR against Moitra had been registered at the time of reporting.
What was Mahua Moitra's stated response to the BJP demonstration?
Moitra announced in her first video that she would file a complaint against all BJP women seen at the court premises, threatening to escalate to the Supreme Court if police did not act. In a second video, she said she would file an FIR naming the women visible in the footage.
