Mahua Moitra says BJP govt. preventing her from functioning as MP; SC seeks reply from Centre, Bengal
The Supreme Court has requested responses from the Union and West Bengal governments regarding a petition by MP Mahua Moitra. She alleges that the state government is obstructing her parliamentary duties through political intimidation and harassment.
Why it matters
This case highlights significant tensions regarding the protection of opposition members and the separation of party and state functions in Indian federalism.
The Supreme Court on Thursday (October 1, 2026) sought responses from the Union government and the State of West Bengal to a petition filed by Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra alleging a concerted effort by the State authorities and the police, using goons and mobs, to impede her from freely accessing her constituency.
A Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of both the Union and the State governments, to file counter-affidavits to the petition.
Ms. Moitra, represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan and advocate Yashwant Singh, said the shift in the State’s ruling dispensation in May 2026 saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) come into power for the first time in West Bengal, with her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), transitioning to the Opposition.
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