TMC Rift Deepens: Kalyan Banerjee Slams Mahua Moitra for ‘Ingratitude’ in Public Apology Post

A day after resigning from his role as the Trinamool Congress’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, senior MP Kalyan Banerjee launched a scathing attack on party colleague Mahua Moitra.

The Serampore MP, expressing his disillusionment, said Moitra lacked gratitude and apologized to the nation for supporting her during a critical moment in Parliament.

“In 2023, I stood by Ms. Moitra when she was under fire in Parliament – I did so out of conviction, not compulsion. Today, she repays that support by calling me a misogynist. I owe the nation an apology for having defended someone who clearly lacks basic gratitude. Let people see her words for what they are and judge accordingly,” Banerjee posted on X, sharing a video clip of his 2023 speech defending Moitra.

Moitra Congratulates New Appointees

Soon after Banerjee’s remarks surfaced, Mahua Moitra responded indirectly by congratulating fellow MPs for their new leadership roles in the party.

“Heartfelt congratulations to my senior colleagues @kakoligdastidar & @SatabdiRoyMP for being nominated Chief Whip & Deputy Leader of AITC in Lok Sabha. God bless & shine on,” she posted on X.

A History of Public Clashes

Banerjee and Moitra have been embroiled in frequent verbal conflicts in recent months. The latest trigger was Moitra’s comment on a podcast when asked about Banerjee’s attacks.

She remarked, “You don’t wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty. There are deeply misogynistic, sexually frustrated, depraved men in India and they have their representation in parliament across all parties.”

This comment followed Banerjee’s earlier controversial remarks regarding a rape incident on a college campus.

He had said, “If a friend rapes a friend, how can you ensure security? Will there be police in schools?” The Trinamool Congress publicly distanced itself from these statements.

Moitra reacted to this by tweeting, “Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates @AITCofficial is that we condemn these disgusting comments no matter who makes them.”

Banerjee’s Personal Attack on Moitra

In response, Kalyan Banerjee launched a personal attack on Moitra, referencing her recent marriage. “She is saying I am anti-women. What is she? She has broken up a family and married a 65-year-old guy. And she is saying I am anti-women,” he said, referring to Moitra’s wedding with former BJD MP Pinaki Misra.

Following the circulation of Moitra’s “pig” comment, Banerjee replied that such dehumanizing language reflects a lack of basic civility.

He added, “The use of dehumanising language such as comparing a fellow MP to a ‘pig’, is not only unfortunate but reflects a deep disregard for basic norms of civil discourse.”

He further stated, “What I did speak about were questions of public accountability and personal conduct, which every public figure must be prepared to face – man or woman. If those facts are inconvenient or uncomfortable, it does not justify branding legitimate criticism as ‘misogyny’ to escape scrutiny.”

Calling Out a Double Standard

Banerjee condemned the double standards in how abuse is perceived based on gender.

“Labeling a male colleague as ‘sexually frustrated’ isn’t boldness – it’s outright abuse. If such language were directed at a woman, there would be nationwide outrage, and rightly so. But when a man is the target, it’s dismissed or even applauded. Let’s be clear: abuse is abuse – regardless of gender,” he said.

He continued, “Such remarks are not just indecent, they reinforce a toxic double standard where men are expected to silently endure what would never be tolerated if roles were reversed.”

Stepping Down as Chief Whip

Banerjee resigned from his post after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pointed out a lack of coordination among the party’s MPs in a virtual meeting. “So the blame is on me. Hence, I have decided to step down,” Banerjee said.

Mamata Banerjee reportedly instructed her party members to stop infighting and focus on challenging the central government.

The party is preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections, where Mamata aims for a fourth term as Chief Minister.