Unfortunately, in our society, women are constantly subjected to scrutiny for their choices regarding their diet, clothing, smoking habits drinking preferences or even the people they choose to associate with. The recent backlash, against Mahua Moitra, a member of parliament from the TMC party serves as a reminder of the challenges that women face in the arena.
Mahua Moitra's fierce and unapologetic response to online trolls, who sought to malign her character based on a few personal photos, showcases her resilience. The phrase that resounded like a battle cry in response to the trolls, "Bengal’s women live a life, not a lie," encapsulates the spirit of women who dare to enter the political spotlight.
A Woman's Right to Choose
Mahua Moitra's stoic response to the trolls began with a series of personal photos circulating on social media, courtesy of the BJP's troll brigade. In these photos, she could be seen donning a striking green dress and raising a toast with Shashi Tharoor while enjoying a cigar.
In a tweet, Mahua Moitra demonstrated her amusement at the BJP trolls' antics. She subtly expressed her preference for the green dress over the white blouse, dismissing their attempts to shame her. Her defiance was clear: "Bengal’s women live a life. Not a lie."
These words are not just a response to trolls but a rallying cry for women who refuse to be defined by the judgments and expectations of others. It is a testament to the resilience of women who, in the face of adversity, choose to live life on their own terms.
The Cyber Storm
The storm began when personal photos of Mahua Moitra, featuring moments shared with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, found their way onto social media. This marked the ignition of a digital firestorm, with trolls descending upon her like vultures. Their focus? Her status as a divorcee, her audacity to enjoy a toast with Shashi Tharoor, and the "offence" of smoking a cigar. While the latter may sound trivial, these comments and criticisms reveal a disturbing trend in society, where women are judged and their character assessed based on their personal choices.
Taking a stand, Mahua Moitra did not shy away from accusing the ruling party of orchestrating the viral spread of the photos on social media. She posited that if the ruling party cell was indeed responsible, they should have had the courage to share the full photo of the gathering instead of cropping it selectively.
Clarification on the Cigar
One particular image from the set that garnered considerable attention depicted Mahua Moitra smoking a cigar and enjoying champagne alongside Shashi Tharoor. However, Mahua Moitra was quick to clarify that she does not smoke and is severely allergic to cigarettes. In her response to a comment on the post, she emphasised, "I don’t smoke. Am severely allergic to cigarettes. I was just posing for a joke with a friend’s cigar."
Social Media Frenzy
It's noteworthy that while Mahua Moitra bore the brunt of the criticism, Shashi Tharoor remained relatively unscathed. This stark difference in the degree of scrutiny points to a larger issue in our society: the unequal and often unjust examination of women in the public eye. The trending hashtag against Mahua Moitra highlights the divisive nature of online discussions, wherein women in politics often face more significant character attacks than their male counterparts. It is a challenge that transcends political boundaries, reflecting the wider struggles faced by women who dare to enter the political arena.
Mahua Moitra's response is a call to action for a society that still grapples with unequal judgments and expectations for women and a reminder that women in politics should be celebrated for their competence and not berated for their life choices.
Suggested reading: Mahua Moitra Dragged From Krishi Bhawan: What Happened Exactly?
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