‘We are 234 warriors who walked on fire’: Mahua Moitra in Lok Sabha speech

TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticizes BJP, challenges government on various issues, and reflects on personal sacrifices in Parliament.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra hit out at the ruling party for suspending her in the last Lok Sabha session, saying they paid a very heavy price for throttling her voice which led to loss of 63 BJP MPs.

Speaking during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address to a joint sitting of Parliament, she said the BJP will not be able to treat the Opposition the way they treated them during the last session.

"Last time I stood, I was not allowed to speak. The ruling party paid a very heavy price for throttling the voice of one MP," she said, referring to her suspension in the last session.

"In their attempt to silence me, the public silenced them, causing them to lose 63 MPs... mujhko bithane ke chakkar mein janta ne aapko bitha diya, aapke 63 MPs loss kar diya," Ms. Moitra began, setting a defiant tone.

Ms. Moitra condemned the installation of the Sengol in Parliament, calling it a symbol of the monarchy with no place in a democracy.

"The BJP's 'raj tantra' has been reduced by the 'lok tantra' of this country. This is not a stable government. It depends on multiple allies who have a history of U-turns. We are 234 warriors this time, having walked on fire. You will not be able to treat us like last time," she said.

Referring to the President's speech, Ms. Moitra criticised the omission of critical issues.