Bhopal: There are shades of Nupur Sharma in the Mahua Moitra case, which seems to be snowballing into yet another massive controversy involving a politician.
Just like former BJP spokesperson Nupur’s objectionable comments on Prophet Muhammad triggered international protests and led to violent demonstrations in India, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Moitra’s remarks on Goddess Kaali is being roundly criticized.
Even her own party condemned her remarks on Goddess Kaali and dissociated itself from the controversial remarks, saying that the views expressed on Goddess Kaali have been made in her personal capacity and are not endorse by TMC in any manner or form.
On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh Police registered a first information report (FIR) against Moitra section 295A (hurting religious sentiments), informed DCP (Crime branch) Shailendra Chouhan.
Commenting on the controversy over Canada-based director Leena Manimekalai’s documentary film titled ‘Kaali’, Moitra had made the controversial observations said at the India Today Conclave East on Tuesday.
“For me, Goddess Kali is a meat-eating and alcohol-accepting Goddess. And if you go to Tarapith, you will see sadhus smoking. That is the version of Kaali people worship (there). I, within Hinduism, being a Kaali worshipper, have the right to imagine Kaali in that way; that is my freedom,” Moitra said.
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan took objection to Moitra’s comment, following which action was taken by the police.
BJP in West Bengal has demanded that she be arrested. The saffron party threatened to move court on the issue if no action is taken against her in 10 days.
Moitra, however, remained unfazed and defended herself.
“To all you sanghis – lying will NOT make you better Hindus. I NEVER backed any film or poster or mentioned the word smoking. Suggest you visit my Maa Kali in Tarapith to see what food & drink is offered as bhog. Joy Ma Tara,” she tweeted.
In another tweet, she wrote: “Bring it on BJP! Am a Kali worshipper. I am not afraid of anything. Not your ignoramuses. Not your goons. Not your police. And most certainly not your trolls. Truth doesn’t need back up forces.”
Last month, Nupur was suspended by BJP for making objectionable comments on the Prophet during a TV debate. Multiple FIRs were filed against her in several states and a lookout notice has been issued by Kolkata Police.
The Supreme Court pulled up Nupur, saying that her loose tongue had set the country on fire.