Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Kalyan Banerjee
NEW DELHI: Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking the expulsion of fellow MP Kalyan Banerjee, accusing him of repeated verbal abuse, misogynistic remarks and misconduct within Parliament.The complaint comes a day after Ghosh Dastidar and 19 other MPs announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), deepening the split within the Trinamool Congress.In a letter written as a follow-up to an earlier complaint dated May 28, the Barasat MP alleged that Banerjee had repeatedly used “objectionable, disrespectful and inappropriate language” against her and other women MPs during parliamentary proceedings.“On several occasions, Mr. Kalyan Banerjee has used objectionable, disrespectful and inappropriate language against me and other women Members during the sittings and proceedings of the House. Such conduct is unbecoming of a Member of Parliament and undermines the dignity, decorum and standards of parliamentary debate expected from elected representatives,” she wrote. Dastidar argued that the alleged behaviour was not an isolated incident but part of a wider pattern. According to her letter, Banerjee had repeatedly resorted to “personal attacks, intimidation, and misogynistic comments” directed at her.“Such behaviour goes beyond the limits of robust political disagreement or parliamentary debate and enters the realm of personal abuse and harassment. The conduct has not only caused personal anguish but has also created an atmosphere that discourages the free participation of women in parliamentary proceedings,” she said.The MP further contended that Banerjee’s actions violated parliamentary norms and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. Citing Rules 349 and 352, she said members are expected to uphold the dignity of the House and maintain standards of parliamentary decorum.“The conduct of Mr. Kalyan Banerjee reflects a disregard for the standards of civility and mutual respect that are indispensable to the functioning of a deliberative parliamentary body,” the letter said, adding that his alleged remarks served only “to demean and intimidate fellow Members”.Ghosh Dastidar urged the Speaker to take cognisance of the matter and consider disciplinary action, including “immediate expulsion”.Banerjee rejected the allegations, describing them as “false, fabricated and made as an afterthought”. Questioning the timing of the complaint, he asked when the alleged incidents had taken place and why they had not been raised earlier.“She said nothing about this when she was a part of the TMC. She has done this to target me politically,” Banerjee said.
