The Delhi High Court recently asked the Delhi Police to respond to a petition filed by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra seeking to quash the First Information Report (FIR) registered against her for allegedly making derogatory remarks about National Commission of Women (NCW) Chief Rekha Sharma. The court has scheduled the next hearing in November.

On Thursday, Moitra took to X with a biting comment: “I believe Delhi Police wants to get in touch with me about the NCW FIR. I may be found in the Parliament lobby, Sir. Waiting with an umbrella.”

This cryptic reference to an umbrella harks back to her previous critique of Sharma. It may also be linked to the water leakage in the new parliament building’s lobby following heavy rain in the national capital Wednesday evening.

The NCW chairperson showed up at the Hathras stampede site—a tragedy that claimed over 120 lives—and an aide was holding an umbrella for her.

In a now-deleted post, Moitra jibed, “She is too busy holding up her boss’s pajamas,” which ignited a storm on social media.

The NCW responded with outrage, condemning the remarks as not only crude but a severe violation of a woman’s right to dignity. The NCW stated that Moitra’s comments fall under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, and demanded strict legal action against her. The NCW formally complained to the Delhi Police.

Moitra, known for her sharp wit and defiance, responded by challenging the Delhi Police on X: “Am in Nadia in case you need me in the next 3 days to make a quick arrest. I can hold my own umbrella.”

She also criticised Sharma for previous controversial remarks, including disparaging comments about RJD chief Lalu Yadav, former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and a tasteless joke about Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal involving a “suhaag raat” reference. She asked the Delhi Police to also take action against the “serial offender”.

The MP from West Bengal’s Krishnanagar, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December last year following a scandal involving alleged bribery and luxury gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, was re-elected this year. The accusations against her included taking Rs 2 crore in cash and receiving “luxury gifts” to pose questions in Parliament that were critical of the Narendra Modi government.