The deeply held belief that leaders must be above luxurious indulgence takes a turn towards sharper judgement when it comes to women politicians. To some extent, it explains why a self-styled politician like Mahua Moitra attracts disproportionate trolling and misogynistic sniggering. Moitra wears her fashion choices unapologetically, indifferent to their projected symbolism. She has taste, and she employs it — consciously — in defining her political persona. She is also outspoken and direct in manner. That has led to an image being pasted onto her. She is labelled as ‘firebrand’ — as if defiance must come with a warning label.

There’s a deeper complexity here. Like Moitra, who is routinely labelled ‘firebrand’ or rebellious by male politicians or political spectators, some female leaders, too, use misogynistic rhetoric when it suits them. Moitra herself got wired in that conflict. In 2023, she attacked Rekha Sharma, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women, for not holding her own umbrella during a visit to the victims of the Hathras stampede. “She is too busy holding up her boss’s pyjamas,” Moitra quipped. An FIR was lodged against her.