Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: A war of words between two Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs has caused embarrassment for the party, with BJP seizing the opportunity to criticize the internal discord. The controversy deepened with leaked WhatsApp chats and accusations of inappropriate conduct.
BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that a heated public altercation took place between two TMC MPs on April 4, 2025, at the headquarters of the Election Commission of India, where the party had gone to submit a memorandum. He cited video clips and claimed that even after the incident, one of the MPs continued making derogatory comments, targeting a “Versatile International Lady (VIL)”.
In response to the growing tension, senior TMC leader and MP Saugata Roy expressed deep concern over the situation, calling it regrettable and damaging for the party.
“We are very sorry about this whole thing. The WhatsApp chats of the party being leaked is unfortunate. The language used by Kalyan Banerjee is unfortunate. I hope that the party leadership will take cognizance of the matter,” he said.
Roy revealed that many party members were distressed by the incident, which involved MP Kalyan Banerjee allegedly misbehaving with a female MP.
“Many of our party members wanted to complain to Mamata Banerjee, but whether they did or not, I don’t know. Kalyan Banerjee misbehaved with a lady MP, she protested and revolted and then all the MPs went against Kalyan Banerjee,” he added.
When asked about MP Kirti Azad’s involvement, Roy commented on Azad’s support for MP Mahua Moitra, which may have provoked Banerjee’s anger.
“Since he had been vocal in supporting Mahua Moitra, that’s why Kalyan Banerjee showed his anger,” he noted.
On the alleged remarks made by Banerjee against Kirti Azad, Roy said, “This is third class comment.” He emphasized Azad’s background and contributions.
“Kirti Azad is a national-level cricketer. He was taken by Mamata Banerjee after he left the BJP. He won on his own steam, after this who will come into the party,” he added.
Roy clarified that he was not present during the altercation but later learned about it from colleagues.
“I was at Vijay Chowk… The spat took place in front of the Election Commission… After the Press Conference at Vijay Chowk, I went inside Parliament and when I came out after few minutes, I found Mahua was crying and complaining to several MPs about Kalyan’s behaviour… At that time, a number of our party MPs were gathered and discussed that Kalyan’s behaviour will not be tolerated anymore and that everyone will reach out to our supremo Mamata Banerjee,” he said.
Amit Malviya, continuing his critique on X, explained that the TMC had instructed MPs to gather at Parliament to sign the memorandum before heading to the EC. One MP, however, bypassed this instruction, leading to a confrontation at the EC office.
“However, the MP carrying the memorandum skipped the Parliament meeting and went directly to the EC. This angered another MP, who confronted him when they came face to face at the Commission. A heated exchange followed, with the two shouting at each other — so much so that one of them asked the police personnel present to intervene,” Malviya claimed.
He further cited WhatsApp conversations from the group ‘AITC MP 2024’ and claimed the infighting reached Mamata Banerjee, who urged both MPs to back down.
“The matter escalated quickly and reached Mamata Banerjee, who reportedly asked both MPs to stand down. But the feud didn’t end there. It spilled over into the ‘AITC MP 2024’ WhatsApp group, where warring camps took sides and traded barbs. And in the middle of it all, the question still lingers: who exactly is the ‘versatile international lady’? That mystery is one for the world to unravel,” he added.