In West Bengal's South Calcutta Law College gang rape case, internal rifts have exposed power struggles within the ruling TMC party. Initially, MP Kalyan Banerjee's controversial remark on the gang rape provoked backlash, with TMC distancing itself from his statements. Subsequently, TMC's MP Mahua Moitra condemned Banerjee's comment, sparking a heated exchange involving critiques of her personal life.
'Who's Anti-Woman?'
In response to Mahua Moitra's criticism, Kalyan Banerjee quipped, 'Mahua returned to India after her honeymoon and began quarreling with me! She accuses me of being anti-women, but what about her? She broke off her 40-year marriage to wed a 65-year-old man, didn’t she hurt a woman in doing that?' It is noteworthy that Mahua recently married BJD leader and senior lawyer Pinaki Mishra in Berlin, Germany.
Kalyan Banerjee claimed that Moitra opposes all female leaders in her constituency. After joining TMC post its electoral victory in 2016, she presented herself as Rahul Gandhi’s friend to advance politically.
'Seeking Future and Wealth'
He further described, 'I was asked by the party to campaign in the Kaliaganj by-election, to which I agreed. However, local legislators informed me that Moitra opposed my participation in the campaign. I reached out to the Chief Minister, who assured there was no restriction on my campaigning. I conveyed to Didi that if I went, she might attempt to ensure the TMC candidate's defeat.'
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Banerjee further stated, 'A Member of Parliament, previously expelled for ethical violations, lecturing me? She is the biggest anti-woman, solely focused on securing her future and accumulating wealth.' Banerjee’s tirade followed Moitra’s post condemning his approach to the gang rape issue and the TMC leader's reaction.
What Fuelled the Conflict Between the Two Leaders?
On Saturday, Mahua posted on X, implying that misogyny exists in every political party. What sets TMC apart is its condemnation of such statements, regardless of the source. Following TMC's official rebuke of Banerjee's remarks, Moitra's comments came forward. However, Banerjee expressed his disagreement with his party's stance on X, questioning if the party indirectly supports those shielding the perpetrators?
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The controversy originated from Banerjee's comments when questioned about the law college gang rape case. He controversially remarked, 'If a friend rapes another friend, what can be done? Are we to deploy police at educational institutions now? The act was carried out by students. Who will ensure the victim's protection? Crimes and violations are committed by certain men, so against whom should women fight? Women must battle these depraved individuals.'
TMC labeled Banerjee’s remarks as personal views, disassociating itself from his statements while reiterating, 'These opinions do not mirror the party's stance on the heinous crime committed at South Calcutta Law College. Our position is firm; we demand severe punishment for all involved in crimes against women, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy.'
