TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Storms Out of Rally After Dispute with Mamata Banerjee
TMC Rally Dispute
Kalyan Banerjee, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), abruptly exited a rally organized by the Mamata Banerjee faction after delivering a speech lasting nearly 23 minutes. His departure followed a heated argument with the party leader regarding the duration of his address. The Serampore MP expressed that he felt "very sad" about the incident. The controversy erupted when former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the venue while Kalyan was speaking. He paused briefly to welcome her before continuing his address. Due to the event running behind schedule, he was asked to conclude his speech, yet he continued for approximately 22 and a half minutes. According to sources from Mamata's camp, all leaders had been instructed to keep their remarks brief, as the list of speakers for the Birla Planetarium rally was extensive. Instead, Kalyan targeted both the BJP and the breakaway faction of TMC led by opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee during his speech.
Arguments and Reactions
As he descended from the stage, Kalyan engaged in a sharp exchange with Mamata Banerjee before leaving the event. Sources indicated that his lengthy speech prevented several other leaders from addressing the gathering. The High Court had mandated that the rally conclude by 3 PM, yet speeches from Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee were still pending. While leaving, Kalyan was overheard telling Mamata, "None of your MPs or MLAs are roaming around Bengal. They are sitting at home." During his speech, he asserted that Mamata Banerjee is the sole representative of TMC. He noted that while a platform supported by the BJP was set up, the workers were not aligned with them. He remarked that BJP-affiliated legislators dreaming of seizing control of the party were essentially digging their own graves.
Aftermath of the Incident
Following the conclusion of his speech, Mamata Banerjee reportedly expressed her displeasure over the delays, leading to a brief argument. Subsequently, Kalyan Banerjee left the stage without waiting for speeches from Abhishek Banerjee or the TMC leader. Denying that he had exceeded his allotted time, Kalyan stated, "I did not take more time. When I was speaking, Abhishek Banerjee came on stage, so I had to pause. Then Didi arrived, and I paused again. I never took more time than allowed. However, I do not deserve such humiliation. I am deeply hurt by this behavior, especially when I am working hard for the party while others have left it." When asked if he had spoken to Mamata Banerjee after the incident, Kalyan replied with a firm "no." He was also questioned about potentially leaving Mamata's faction due to the incident, to which he responded, "What kind of question is that?"