Mahua Moitra (born October 12, 1974) is an Indian politician and former investment banker, currently serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Krishnanagar, West Bengal, representing the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Known for her articulate speeches and outspoken criticism of the ruling government, she has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics.
Early Life and Education
Mahua Moitra was born in Labac, Cachar district, Assam, into a Bengali Hindu Brahmin family. She completed her schooling at Gokhale Memorial Girls’ School in Kolkata. In 1998, she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Economics and Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, USA. She also holds professional certifications such as Series 7 and Series 63 from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (USA) and the SFA certification from the Financial Standards Authority (UK).
Banking Career
After graduation, Moitra embarked on a successful career in finance, working as an investment banker with JPMorgan Chase in New York and London. She rose to the position of vice-president at the firm. However, in 2009, seeking a more impactful role in society, she left her lucrative banking career to enter Indian politics.
Political Career
- 2009: Joined the Indian National Congress and was involved in Rahul Gandhi’s “Aam Aadmi Ka Sipahi” campaign in West Bengal.
- 2010: Switched to the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), attracted by Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and vision.
- 2016–2019: Elected as a Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from Karimpur constituency.
- 2019: Elected to the 17th Lok Sabha from Krishnanagar constituency. She gained national attention for her maiden speech in Parliament, where she listed the “seven signs of fascism,” critiquing the central government’s policies.
- 2021–2022: Appointed as TMC’s in-charge for Goa to prepare the party for contesting the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly election.
- 2023: Expelled from the Lok Sabha on December 8 following a recommendation by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee in a “cash-for-query” case.
- 2024: Re-elected to the 18th Lok Sabha from Krishnanagar constituency, marking a significant political comeback.
Legal and Political Controversies
Moitra has been involved in several legal and political controversies:
- 2017: Filed a police complaint against BJP MP Babul Supriyo for allegedly “insulting her modesty” during a national television debate. The complaint was later dismissed by the Calcutta High Court.
- 2020: Filed a defamation suit against Zee Media for allegedly making derogatory statements against her. The Delhi Court granted her bail and put her on trial; she later won the case, and the charges against her were dismissed.
- 2022: Faced backlash for her remarks on goddess Kali during the India Today Conclave East, leading to an FIR against her in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.
Personal Life
Mahua Moitra was previously married to Danish financier Lars Brorson; the couple later divorced. She was also in a relationship with lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai. On May 30, 2025, she married senior advocate and former MP Pinaki Misra in a private ceremony held in Berlin, Germany. The low-profile wedding was attended by close family and friends.
Net Worth and Interests
As of 2024, Mahua Moitra’s declared net worth is approximately ₹3.5 crore. Her hobbies include running, reading, cooking, athletics, and swimming. She is a member of the Tollygunge Club and Bengal Club in Kolkata, as well as the Constitution Club in New Delhi.