A fresh political controversy has erupted within the Trinamool Congress after rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar demanded the expulsion of fellow MP Kalyan Banerjee from the Lok Sabha, accusing him of repeated misconduct, verbal abuse and misogynistic behaviour.
In a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Kakoli alleged that Kalyan Banerjee is a “habitual offender” who has repeatedly targeted women parliamentarians with abusive and derogatory remarks. She argued that such conduct violates the dignity of Parliament and called for strict action, including his expulsion from the House.
According to Kakoli, Kalyan Banerjee has displayed a consistent pattern of behaviour that she described as misogynistic and disrespectful towards women. She maintained that elected representatives must be held accountable for their actions and stated that “a habitual offender and a misogynistic person should be punished under the law.”
The latest demand comes weeks after Kakoli first lodged a formal complaint against Kalyan Banerjee with the Speaker. In that complaint, she accused him of verbally abusing her inside Parliament and alleged that several other women MPs had also faced similar behaviour from him.
Kalyan Banerjee has rejected the allegations, describing them as “false” and “fabricated.” He has maintained that the accusations are politically motivated and linked to the ongoing rift within the Trinamool Congress.
The dispute unfolds amid deepening divisions within the party, with several rebel leaders openly challenging the current leadership. Political observers believe the controversy could further intensify the ongoing power struggle within the Trinamool Congress ahead of key political battles in West Bengal.
The Speaker's office has not yet announced any decision on Kakoli's request. However, the complaint has once again brought parliamentary conduct and the treatment of women representatives into the spotlight, with opposition and ruling party leaders expected to closely watch how the matter progresses in the coming days.
