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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Amrit Dhillon in New Delhi

Grit and glamour: how Mahua Moitra shook up the misogyny and hypocrisy of Indian politics

Side-on portrait of Mahua Moitra in a stripy multicoloured jumper, sitting in a white whicker chair
Mahua Moitra: ‘I am not going to change who I am to fit the paradigm.’ Photograph: Courtesy of Mahua Moitra

Mahua Moitra is a misfit in Indian politics. She rejects the notion that a woman must ideally be married, and if she happens to be divorced, single or widowed, should not openly date or be seen to be in a relationship. Nor should she drink or smoke in public or be seen arm in arm with a man.

Moitra, 49, is a divorcee. She drinks wine occasionally, has her nails done once in a while, likes Ferragamo shoes and carries a Louis Vuitton handbag.

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