Kalyan Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP, stepped down from his role as Chief Whip of the party in Lok Sabha amid ongoing disputes with his colleague Mahua Moitra and conflicts with Kirti Azad. His resignation was made public following his participation in a virtual meeting led by the party chief with TMC MPs.
Sources have revealed that soon after resigning as Chief Whip, Kalyan Banerjee might be reconsidering his decision, as he has reached out to senior leaders of the TMC. Speaking to the press, Banerjee stated, 'I resigned as Chief Whip in Lok Sabha because 'Didi' (West Bengal's CM Mamata Banerjee) pointed out coordination failures among party MPs during the virtual meeting. I am accountable for this, prompting my resignation.' This meeting was attended by TMC MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Banerjee Objects to Inappropriate Language
Kalyan Banerjee has been in frequent disputes with party MP Mahua Moitra. Recently, Banerjee criticized Moitra in a post on social media platform X, condemning the disrespectful language she used against him in a podcast.
Banerjee noted, 'I have taken note of the personal remarks made by Mahua Moitra in a recent public podcast. Her selection of words, equating a member of parliament to inhumane terms like 'pig', is regrettable and grossly violates the basic norms of civil discourse.'
'Reflect on Their Conduct'
He further commented, 'Those who resort to insults instead of reason should reflect on the kind of politics they engage in. When a public representative stoops to offensive language and uncivil satire, it reveals not strength but insecurity.'
Banerjee stated emphatically that his statements were questioning public accountability and personal conduct, things every public figure should be prepared to face—male or female. Labeling valid critique as 'misogyny' to dodge scrutiny is not acceptable if these facts are inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Banerjee accused Moitra of derogatorily calling a male colleague 'sexually frustrated' and deemed it offensive.
'Abusive Language is Unacceptable'
He expressed, 'If such language were directed at a woman, there would be a nationwide uproar, but when a man is targeted, it's overlooked. Abuse is abuse regardless of gender. Such comments are improper and unacceptable to anyone.'
The TMC leader emphasized that if Moitra believes that using foul language will hide her failures or divert attention from serious issues with her record, she is deceiving herself. Those who depend on insults over answers are not champions of democracy—they are its embarrassment, and the public can see through their behavior.
Be informed that Kalyan Banerjee also had a public altercation with former cricketer and party MP Kirti Azad, adding to TMC's discomfort. These events highlight internal rifts within the party, especially as the West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026 approach.
Banerjee's previous actions have sparked controversy, notably with inappropriate remarks about Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and an incident involving him breaking a glass bottle during a parliamentary committee meeting.
