‘Misogyny Isn’t Political’: Mahua Moitra Criticizes Own Party Over Gangrape Case Comments

‘Misogyny Isn’t Partisan’: Mahua Moitra Slams TMC Leaders Over Kolkata Gangrape Remarks.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday condemned controversial remarks made by fellow TMC leaders Kalyan Banerjee and Madan Mitra over the Kolkata gangrape case, asserting that misogyny in India “cuts across party lines.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Moitra responded to the party’s official statement distancing itself from the leaders’ comments. “Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. The difference is our party condemns these disgusting comments no matter who makes them,” she wrote, sharing the TMC’s statement.

The TMC clarified that the statements made by MP Banerjee and MLA Mitra were in their “personal capacity” and do not represent the party’s position. Reiterating its “zero tolerance” policy on crimes against women, the party also demanded the “strictest possible punishment” for those involved.

What Happened
The Kolkata Police on Friday arrested three men in connection with the alleged gangrape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College in the Kasba area. Among the accused are two current students and one former student, Monojit Mishra, who has been identified as the main accused. The survivor filed an FIR a day after the incident, which took place on June 25.

Leaders’ Remarks Spark Backlash
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee stirred controversy when he said, “What can be done if a friend rapes a friend?” He questioned whether police could be expected to guard students inside educational institutions, adding, “This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her?”

MLA Madan Mitra also faced criticism for suggesting the victim should not have gone to the location. “If someone calls you when the college is closed offering you a position in the unit, then don’t go—nothing good will come of it,” he said.

Both statements were slammed as victim-blaming, with BJP’s Amit Malviya calling them “plain and vile.” The TMC has come under pressure to take stronger internal action, while Mahua Moitra’s condemnation is being seen as a rare show of accountability within the party on gender issues.