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Party sources say that while Kalyan’s resignation has been submitted, it hasn’t been formally accepted. Nor has he withdrawn it.
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee spoke to party MPs in a close-door meet on Monday. (Images: PTI)
A day after Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra referred to her party colleague Kalyan Banerjee as a “pig” during a podcast with India Today, the Serampore MP fired back publicly, accusing her of using “dehumanising” language. The escalating spat between the two Lok Sabha MPs reached a political flashpoint on Monday when Kalyan Banerjee announced his resignation as the Chief Whip of the TMC Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha, just hours after a key internal meeting led by party chief Mamata Banerjee.
Responding to Mahua’s remark, in a strongly worded post on X, Kalyan wrote: “I have taken note of the recent personal remarks made by Mahua Moitra in a public podcast. Her choice of words, including 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.”
I have taken note of the recent personal remarks made by Ms. Mahua Moitra in a public podcast. Her choice of words, including 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…— Kalyan Banerjee (@KBanerjee_AITC) August 4, 2025
Mahua’s comments came while responding to Kalyan’s earlier remarks about her marriage with BJD MP Pinaki Mishra. She had said, “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.”
Mamata’s Intervention And The Fallout
The deepening feud between the two MPs was among the key reasons for Mamata Banerjee’s sharp reprimand during Monday’s virtual meeting with party MPs. According to sources, Mamata expressed serious displeasure at the growing infighting within the Lok Sabha contingent, especially at a politically sensitive moment in Bengal. In contrast, she praised the Rajya Sabha MPs for maintaining discipline and hinted at forming a disciplinary committee to monitor internal conduct.
Also Read: Kalyan Banerjee Steps Down As TMC’s Lok Sabha Chief Whip As Mamata Flags Poor Coordination
Significantly, she also formalised the transfer of coordination duties to Abhishek Banerjee, citing the ill health of senior MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay. Until now, Kalyan had been performing that role. Hours later, Kalyan stepped down as Chief Whip, stating in his resignation letter that the TMC supremo no longer had confidence in him.
However, insiders suggest the timing was no coincidence. The Mahua row, growing personal acrimony, and possibly Mamata’s comments during the meet, which many interpreted as directed at Kalyan, contributed to his decision to quit the post.
The Road Ahead: All Eyes On Delhi
Despite the resignation, Kalyan has clarified that he has no personal issues with Abhishek Banerjee, who has since spoken to him and requested that he continue in his role for a few more days. Abhishek is expected to visit Delhi on August 7, where a one-on-one conversation with Kalyan is planned to defuse tensions.
Party insiders say Kalyan’s resignation has not yet been formally accepted, nor has he withdrawn it. Those familiar with TMC’s internal dynamics note that Kalyan has had run-ins with the party leadership before — but such disputes have often been resolved behind closed doors.
Whether this latest episode follows that same path may depend heavily on his upcoming meeting with Abhishek. If reconciliation is to be achieved, insiders suggest, it will likely begin with the withdrawal of Kalyan’s resignation, but the bitterness with Mahua Moitra may be harder to paper over.
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ…Read More
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ… Read More
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