Mahua Moitra denies plagiarism allegations, US writer of fascism article backs her

There have been allegations that Moitra had lifted portions of her speech from an article on American under Donald Trump.

Interestingly, Martin Longman, who wrote an article in 2017 titled 'The 12 Early Signs of Fascism' from where some people are accusing Moitra of lifting portions, has himself said he sees no plagiarism in the speech.

Longman wrote on Twitter: "I'm internet famous in India because a politician is being falsely accused of plagiarizing me. It's kind of funny, but right-wing as***les seem to be similar in every country."

Moitra, 42, however, has said the article had quoted from the same source as she did.

"Plagiarism is when one does not disclose one's source. My source as mentioned categorically in my speech was the poster from the Holocaust Museum created by the political scientist Dr. Laurence W. Brit pointing out the 14 signs of early fascism. I found 7 signs relevant to India and spoke at length about each of them," Mahua Moitra said in a statement.

"My speech came from the heart and every Indian who has shared it did so from their heart. The hits were organic, not BOT controlled. I repeat..."Bandhney mujhey tu aaya hai? Zanjeer badi kya laya hai (you have come to chain me, are your shackles enough)? "

A Zee News Hindi report had accused her plagarism.

The first-time MP had said in her speech that though she accepted the mandate the BJP got from the people, the voices of dissent must be heard.

"Only if you open your eyes, you will see there are signs everywhere that this country is being torn apart," she had said.

She referred to the ruling government's "resounding disdain for human rights", suppression of dissent, control of mass media, obsession with national security and intertwining of religion and government. The "superficial, xenophobic and narrow" nationalism, she said, is a "lust to decide, not a desire to unite".

Image Credit: Screenshot grab from video