A significant political uproar has been triggered by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, whose statements on India’s eastern border security have caused major controversy. She made a shocking declaration against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which sparked widespread condemnation. The statement, calling for Amit Shah’s “head [to] be chopped off and put on the table,” has deeply unsettled the political sphere.
During a public event, Mahua Moitra voiced her concerns over the alleged infiltration from Bangladesh, launching a harsh critique of the central government’s border security measures. She stated: “I am asking if there is no one to protect our borders and people from other nations are entering India in lakhs and crores…If they are eyeing our mothers and sisters…If they are taking over our land…At first, Amit Shah’s head must be chopped off and put on the table.”
These remarks have elicited strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other political entities. BJP leaders have labeled it as a violent, unconstitutional, and criminal statement aimed at a minister. The language used was described by many as “unparliamentary,” “dangerous,” and an affront to “the dignity of public representation.”
Moitra’s remarks were made against the backdrop of alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and the related challenges to population and security, especially in border regions like West Bengal. She laid the blame for this situation on the central government and its functions, accusing it of “security failure.”
She further added, “The Home Ministry and the Home Minister who cannot protect the borders of this country…The Prime Minister is himself saying that people from outside are coming here and preying on our mothers and sisters.”
The controversy unfolded at a time when the central government is conducting ‘Operation Pushback’ to identify and expel Rohingya and illegal Bangladeshi citizens within the nation.
Mahua Moitra maintains that despite the government’s efforts, illegal infiltration persists as a major problem. She argues that despite the presence of agencies at the borders, local populations are not benefiting from any security advantages.
She added, “BSF is here. What is BSF doing? We (natives) remain fearful of the BSF. We do not see anyone infiltrating here.”
The BSF, which falls under the Union Home Ministry, has not officially responded. However, several ministry officials have described these remarks as “motivated by political interest” and “far from ground reality.” The BJP intends to raise the issue in Parliament and may file a complaint under various sections of the IPC for threatening the Home Minister and encouraging violence. According to sources within the Home Ministry, Moitra’s comments represent a “direct violation of democratic values and national interests.”
Although the TMC leadership has not issued an official statement, party sources have expressed some unease regarding Mahua Moitra’s strong language, even while she continues to criticize the BJP’s policies. The current situation is expected to strengthen Mahua Moitra’s image, which is characterized by her outspoken nature and willingness to challenge political norms. Legal action against her and a possible censure motion in Parliament cannot be disregarded.