“She Lacks Gratitude”: MP’s Scathing Remarks After Resigning as Chief Whip
What’s the Controversy?
Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, a long-time party loyalist, has issued a public apology to the nation for backing Mahua Moitra during her parliamentary controversy last year. The apology came just a day after he resigned from his role as the Chief Whip of TMC in Lok Sabha, amidst escalating tensions within the party.
“I owe the nation an apology for having defended someone who clearly lacks basic gratitude,” Banerjee posted on X (formerly Twitter), attaching a video of his past speech in support of Moitra.
Ongoing War of Words: Banerjee vs Moitra
The rift between Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra has been simmering for months and recently escalated following Moitra’s comments on a podcast.
Key Highlights from the Feud:
- Mahua Moitra made a veiled jab at Banerjee by stating: “You don’t wrestle with a pig. The pig enjoys it, and you get dirty.”
- She accused certain male MPs of being “deeply misogynistic, sexually frustrated, and depraved”.
- Banerjee, in return, slammed Moitra for “dehumanising language” and referenced her recent marriage to former BJD MP Pinaki Misra, adding a personal angle to the feud.
The Trigger: Moitra’s Podcast Remarks
During her podcast appearance, Moitra addressed Banerjee’s earlier controversial remarks on a college rape case, saying that misogyny exists across party lines.
“Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates the TMC is that we condemn these comments, no matter who makes them,” she said.
Banerjee’s Strong Counterattack
Banerjee countered the podcast criticism with a long social media post:
- Accused Moitra of misusing the term “misogyny” to avoid criticism.
- Called her comments “abusive and dehumanizing.”
- Raised concerns over gender-based double standards in public discourse.
“Labeling a male colleague as ‘sexually frustrated’ isn’t boldness – it’s outright abuse,” Banerjee asserted.
Why Did Kalyan Banerjee Resign?
Banerjee resigned as Chief Whip following Mamata Banerjee’s comments during a virtual meeting, pointing to a lack of coordination among party MPs.
“So the blame is on me. Hence, I have decided to step down,” he said.
What’s Next for the Trinamool Congress?
- Mamata Banerjee is reportedly urging party MPs to stop infighting and instead focus on countering the central government.
- With the 2026 Bengal Assembly Elections approaching, TMC is expected to tighten internal discipline and project unity.
In Summary
- Kalyan Banerjee issued a public apology for defending Mahua Moitra.
- Moitra and Banerjee have been involved in an ugly public spat over several months.
- The row exposes internal fault lines in the Trinamool Congress ahead of crucial state elections.
- The party’s top leadership is urging restraint and unity among members.
Also Read : “Pig” and “Anti-Women” Remarks Spark TMC Clash: Kalyan Banerjee Resigns