Bengal Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against TMC MP Mahua Moitra Over Alleged Insult to Tulsi Mala.

Bengal Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Mahua Moitra in Case Alleging Hurt to Hindu Religious Sentiments.

Sankirtan Das | HENB | Kolkata | Aug 19, 2026:: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra is facing an arrest warrant issued by a court in Krishnanagar, West Bengal, in a case alleging that her remarks about Tulsi garlands (kanthi mala) hurt religious sentiments.

The warrant was reportedly issued after the court noted Moitra’s absence despite having been summoned to appear in person. Moitra had reportedly sought exemption from personal appearance; however, the court indicated that her request could be considered only after she appeared before it.

The case remains pending, and no final verdict has been delivered against the TMC leader.

Controversy Over Remarks on Tulsi Mala

The controversy stems from remarks allegedly made by Moitra during a political outreach programme in West Bengal. She reportedly questioned the religious identity and political allegiance of constituents who supported the TMC throughout the year but displayed a visible Sanatani identity, including by wearing a Tulsi or wooden garland, during elections.

Moitra also allegedly made remarks about members of local communities, including Vaishnav and Namasudra/Matua groups, referring to their wearing of Tulsi or wooden malas while seeking government welfare benefits. Critics interpreted the comments as derogatory references to sacred Hindu symbols and religious practices.

The remarks subsequently triggered political and legal backlash, with opponents accusing Moitra of insulting Hindu traditions and sentiments.

BJP Leaders Condemn Remarks

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and BJP IT department head Amit Malviya, strongly condemned the alleged remarks.

They described the comments as casteist and anti-Hindu and alleged that they were intended to demean sacred traditions and communities, particularly Scheduled Caste groups associated with Vaishnav, Namasudra and Matua traditions.

However, the allegations remain part of an ongoing legal proceeding. The issuance of an arrest warrant does not by itself establish guilt, and the court has yet to deliver a final judgment in the case.
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_Inputs from ABP Live.