Kolkata, 05 June (H.S.):

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Pinaki Mishra have tied the knot in a private ceremony held atop a royal palace in Berlin, Germany, on May 30. The union marks the second marriage for both political figures, and has drawn significant interest from political and social circles across the country.

While destination weddings are typically associated with celebrities and athletes, the wedding of two influential Indian politicians in such a grand yet intimate setting is a rare occurrence. Sources close to the couple say they opted for Berlin to ensure a quiet, crowd-free celebration. The newlyweds are currently honeymooning in Europe and are expected to return to India by the end of June.

Reportedly, Mahua Moitra had informed Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in advance and took a brief leave before flying abroad for the wedding.

Mahua was previously married to Danish financial expert Lars Brorson, while Pinaki Mishra’s first marriage was with Sangeeta Mishra, with whom he has two children. Both of their previous marriages ended in divorce.

Interestingly, both Moitra and Mishra began their political journeys with the Indian National Congress. Mahua later joined the Trinamool Congress and was elected as an MLA from Karimpur in 2016. She entered Parliament in 2019 and was re-elected from Krishnanagar in 2024.

Pinaki Mishra was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Puri in 1996 on a Congress ticket. He later switched to the BJD and won the seat again in 2009, 2014, and 2019. However, he did not contest the 2024 general elections. There was speculation in Odisha’s political circles that his growing closeness with Mahua Moitra may have influenced the party's decision to deny him a ticket—though others believe he voluntarily opted out of the race.

Mahua Moitra has been no stranger to controversy. Her personal relationship with Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai made headlines, but ended on a bitter note involving legal complaints. She was also accused of accepting lavish gifts and cash in exchange for raising questions in Parliament targeting the Adani Group, an allegation brought forward by Dehadrai and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. These claims led to her temporary suspension from the Lok Sabha.

Before entering politics, Mahua was a vice president at JPMorgan Chase in the United States. Pinaki Mishra, on the other hand, is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court. Both have made their mark in their respective professions and are now beginning a new chapter of life together.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh