**TMC Leaders Clash: Kalyan Banerjee Accuses Mahua Moitra of Ingratitude**
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has intensified his public feud with party colleague Mahua Moitra, accusing her of ingratitude and expressing regret for previously defending her during a parliamentary controversy. In a recent post on X, Banerjee shared a video of his 2023 speech in Parliament where he stood up for Moitra, stating, “I supported Ms. Moitra when she faced criticism — out of conviction, not compulsion. Today, she labels me a misogynist. I owe the nation an apology for defending someone who clearly lacks basic gratitude. Let the public judge her words.”
This latest exchange follows Banerjee’s resignation as the TMC’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, a decision he attributed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s comments regarding poor coordination among MPs. “The blame is on me. Hence, I have decided to step down,” he explained.
Shortly after Banerjee’s post, Moitra congratulated MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar on her new role as chief whip, a gesture perceived as a subtle jab at Banerjee. The tension between the two leaders has been escalating for months, marked by personal insults and pointed remarks. The most recent flashpoint occurred during an India Today podcast, where Moitra responded to Banerjee’s criticisms by stating, “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.”
Banerjee retaliated, condemning Moitra’s choice of words as “dehumanizing,” asserting that comparing a fellow MP to a “pig” shows a lack of respect for civil discourse. He further argued that gender should not exempt public figures from criticism, stating, “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. Abuse is abuse, regardless of gender.” He accused Moitra of deflecting accountability by framing her criticisms as misogyny.
Kalyan Banerjee has faced backlash in the past for controversial remarks, including comments made after a college rape incident, which prompted Moitra to emphasize that misogyny transcends party lines and that the TMC condemns such remarks regardless of their source.
In a personal attack, Banerjee referenced Moitra’s recent marriage to former BJD MP Pinaki Misra, questioning her stance on women’s issues. “She is calling me anti-women. What is she? She has broken up a family and married a 65-year-old guy,” he remarked.
As the conflict continues to escalate, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has reportedly urged party members to focus on unity and collaboration rather than internal disputes, emphasizing the need to challenge the central government effectively.
**FAQ**
**Q: What sparked the conflict between Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra?**
A: The conflict escalated due to Banerjee’s accusations of ingratitude against Moitra after he publicly defended her during a parliamentary controversy, leading to a series of personal attacks and criticisms between the two leaders.
