Tharoor backs Moitra, privilege notice against Bengal officials

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has expressed solidarity with TMC MP Mahua Moitra after she was allegedly asked to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district late on August 14. Tharoor said the government has a duty to provide security when a mob is baying for her, and called on all democrats to stand with her.

Moitra has moved a privilege notice before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking action against three senior officials: Nadia district magistrate Srikant Palli, additional district magistrate Nirpendra Singh, and Nazareth deputy collector Anamika Bera. Deccan Chronicle reports she has also threatened court action. Rediff.com adds she alleges a serious breach of protocol and an effort to prevent her from carrying out parliamentary duties.

According to her notice, Moitra reached the Nadia Circuit House at 6.15 pm, was given her usual room, and was served dinner. At 9.47 pm, she was asked to vacate. An order dated August 12 cited annual maintenance, but Moitra questioned why she was not informed earlier and noted at least four rooms were occupied. She described a crowd shouting slogans outside the high-security zone late that night.