The Trinamool Congress (TMC) found itself in the middle of a fresh controversy on Thursday after party MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar formally accused fellow TMC parliamentarian Kalyan Banerjee of verbal abuse and misogynistic behaviour inside the Lok Sabha. In a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Dastidar sought permission to lodge a formal complaint against Banerjee and demanded action over what she described as repeated misconduct towards women members.
In her letter, the Barasat MP alleged that Kalyan Banerjee had “repeatedly verbally abused” her inside the House. She further claimed that such behaviour was not limited to her alone and reflected a broader pattern of misogyny against women parliamentarians.
“This misogyny has been against many lady members and needs to be punished,” Dastidar wrote in her complaint to the Speaker.
The allegations have triggered political ripples within the ruling party in West Bengal, particularly because they come just a day after Dastidar resigned from all organisational positions she held in the Trinamool Congress. Among the posts she relinquished was the presidency of the party’s women’s wing, a significant role within the TMC structure.
In her resignation letter earlier, Dastidar cited “deep mental conflict and long reflection” as the reasons behind her decision. She also pointed to differences with the party leadership, indicating growing unease within the organisation. However, she clarified that she would continue to remain a Member of Parliament and stay associated with the party as an ordinary worker.
The development has intensified speculation about internal discord within the Trinamool Congress. Over the past few weeks, Dastidar had visibly distanced herself from certain party activities. She skipped several key organisational events and publicly voiced concerns over the party’s internal functioning.
Her attendance at an administrative meeting chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had also raised eyebrows within political circles, especially after sections of the TMC leadership reportedly objected to her participation.
The latest allegations against Kalyan Banerjee are expected to increase pressure on the party leadership to address concerns related to internal discipline and the treatment of women leaders within the organisation. While the TMC has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, the controversy is likely to fuel political debate both inside and outside Parliament.
Kalyan Banerjee, known for his outspoken remarks and frequent interventions in Parliament, has often courted controversy in the past as well. However, this complaint from a fellow party MP has added a new dimension to the issue, placing the focus on gender sensitivity and conduct within political spaces.
The matter now rests with the Lok Sabha Speaker, who may decide on the course of action following Dastidar’s request for formal redressal.
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