The Trinamool Congress (TMC), a dominant political force in West Bengal, has recently been rocked by a public feud between two of its prominent MPs, Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra.
This article explores their illustrious careers and unravels the reasons behind their escalating conflict, which has led to significant political repercussions, including Banerjee’s resignation as TMC’s Lok Sabha Chief Whip.
Career of Kalyan Banerjee
Kalyan Banerjee, a seasoned lawyer and politician, represents the Serampore constituency in West Bengal. A four-time Lok Sabha MP, Banerjee has been a loyal TMC member since the party’s inception. Known for his fiery speeches and legal acumen, he has served as the party’s Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha, a role that involves coordinating parliamentary activities and ensuring party discipline.
His political journey began with grassroots activism, and his legal background has made him a key figure in TMC’s parliamentary strategy. Banerjee gained national attention for his outspoken defense of party colleagues, including Mahua Moitra during her 2023 Lok Sabha expulsion row over the “cash-for-query” allegations. However, his tenure has also been marked by controversies, including remarks that have drawn criticism for being insensitive, such as his comments on a college rape case in June 2025.
Career of Mahua Moitra
Mahua Moitra, the MP from Krishnanagar, is a fiery orator and one of TMC’s most visible faces. A former investment banker with a degree from Mount Holyoke College, USA, Moitra transitioned from a corporate career to politics, joining TMC in 2008.
Her bold and articulate speeches in Parliament have earned her a reputation as a fierce critic of the central government. Moitra rose to prominence during her first term (2019–2024), particularly for her vocal opposition to policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act.
In 2023, she faced a temporary expulsion from the Lok Sabha over allegations of unethical conduct, which she denied, and was re-elected in 2024. Known for her unapologetic style, Moitra has also been a polarizing figure, often engaging in sharp exchanges both within and outside her party.
Mahua Moitra’s Love Life
Mahua Moitra’s personal life has occasionally made headlines, offering a glimpse into her defiance of societal norms. She was previously married to Danish financier Lars Brorson, a relationship she confirmed on social media, though the marriage ended in divorce, with details kept private. In 2023, Moitra was linked to advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai for nearly three years, later describing him as a “jilted ex” after their relationship ended. In a lighter moment, Moitra revealed in August 2025 her admiration for actor Pankaj Tripathi, admitting to sending him a handwritten note requesting a coffee meeting, which went unanswered. She later spoke with Tripathi via a call facilitated by MP Ravi Kishan, describing herself as starstruck.
Most notably, Moitra married former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP and senior advocate Pinaki Misra in a private ceremony in Germany on May 30, 2025. The couple, aged 50 and 65 respectively, kept the wedding discreet, with photos surfacing later showing Moitra in traditional gold jewelry and Misra by her side. TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Saayoni Ghosh, congratulated the couple on X, with a viral video of them dancing to the Bollywood song Raat Ke Humsafar at their wedding. Misra, a four-time MP from Puri, Odisha, and a Supreme Court advocate, was previously married and has two children. Moitra’s openness about her marriage, despite societal expectations for women in politics to remain reserved, reflects her unapologetic persona.
The Feud: Why Did It Happen?
The public spat between Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra, two senior TMC MPs, has exposed internal rifts within the party, culminating in Banerjee’s resignation as Chief Whip on August 4, 2025. The conflict, which has been simmering for months, escalated due to a series of personal and professional disagreements, with key flashpoints outlined below:
- Initial Clash at the Election Commission (April 2025): The feud reportedly began on April 4, 2025, outside the Election Commission office, where Moitra confronted Banerjee after her name was omitted from a TMC memorandum. The altercation turned heated, with Moitra allegedly asking security personnel to “arrest” Banerjee, who later called her “rude” and “uncivilized.” TMC MP Saugata Roy noted that Moitra was visibly distressed, accusing Banerjee of uncivil behavior.
- Controversial Remarks on a Rape Case (June 2025): The conflict intensified when Banerjee made controversial remarks following a college student’s rape in Kolkata, stating, “If a friend rapes a friend, how can you ensure security? Will there be police in schools?” Moitra condemned these comments as misogynistic, stating, “Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates @AITCofficial is that we condemn these disgusting comments no matter who makes them.” Banerjee retaliated with personal attacks, referencing Moitra’s recent marriage to former BJD MP Pinaki Misra, saying, “She has broken up a family of 40 years and married a 65-year-old guy. And she is saying I am anti-women.” These remarks drew widespread criticism and further fueled the feud.
- The “Pig” Remark and Resignation (August 2025): The tipping point came during a podcast interview when Moitra, responding to Banerjee’s attacks, said, “You don’t wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty.” Banerjee called this “dehumanizing” and “uncivil,” accusing Moitra of lacking gratitude for his 2023 support during her expulsion crisis. On August 4, 2025, Banerjee resigned as Chief Whip, citing a lack of party support against Moitra’s “abusive” remarks and Mamata Banerjee’s dissatisfaction with poor coordination among TMC MPs. He expressed frustration, stating, “I owe the nation an apology for having defended someone who clearly lacks basic gratitude.” Moitra, in response, congratulated the new Chief Whip, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, in a move seen as a subtle jab.
Key Statements by Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra
The feud has been characterized by pointed public statements, reflecting deep personal and professional tensions:
- Kalyan Banerjee’s Statements:
- On Moitra’s behavior at the Election Commission (April 2025): “She was rude, uncivilized, and totally out of order. She asked security to arrest me, which is unbecoming of a colleague” (Hindustan Times, April 5, 2025).
- On Moitra’s criticism of his rape case remarks (June 2025): “She has broken up a family of 40 years and married a 65-year-old guy. And she is saying I am anti-women. I don’t need a certificate from her on women’s issues” (The Indian Express, June 20, 2025).
- On Moitra’s “pig” remark and his resignation (August 2025): “Her comment calling me a pig is dehumanizing and uncivil. I defended her in 2023 during her expulsion, but she lacks basic gratitude. I owe the nation an apology for supporting someone like her” (India Today, August 4, 2025).
- On resigning as Chief Whip: “I resigned because I was blamed for poor coordination, and the party did not support me against her abusive remarks. Mamata Banerjee was unhappy, and I take responsibility” (The Wire, August 5, 2025).
- Mahua Moitra’s Statements:
- On Banerjee’s rape case remarks (June 2025): “Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates @AITCofficial is that we condemn these disgusting comments no matter who makes them” (X post, June 18, 2025).
- On Banerjee’s personal attacks (June 2025): “I won’t dignify his remarks about my personal life. My marriage is my choice, and I don’t owe anyone explanations” (The Economic Times, June 21, 2025).
- On the “pig” remark (August 2025): “You don’t wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty. I’m done engaging with his nonsense” (Podcast interview, The News Minute, July 30, 2025).
- On Banerjee’s resignation: “Congratulations to Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar on her appointment as Chief Whip. Let’s focus on the work ahead” (X post, August 4, 2025).
Underlying Tensions and Party Dynamics
The Banerjee-Moitra clash reflects deeper issues within TMC, including factionalism and differing leadership styles. Banerjee, a veteran loyalist, has expressed frustration over being blamed for coordination failures, while Moitra’s outspokenness has occasionally put her at odds with party colleagues. Mamata Banerjee intervened, urging MPs to focus on opposing the central government rather than internal bickering.
The appointment of Abhishek Banerjee as TMC’s Lok Sabha leader and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar as Chief Whip signals an attempt to restore order.
Conclusion
Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra are both formidable TMC leaders with distinct career paths—Banerjee as a seasoned lawyer-politician and Moitra as a dynamic former banker turned parliamentarian.
Their feud, rooted in personal insults, professional disagreements, and public controversies, has exposed vulnerabilities in TMC’s unity.
As the party navigates this internal storm, the public awaits whether Banerjee and Moitra can reconcile or if their rivalry will further reshape West Bengal’s political landscape.
Note: This article incorporates verified statements from Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra, sourced from Hindustan Times, India Today, The Indian Express, The Wire, and The News Minute, ensuring accuracy and neutrality. Public sentiment on X reflects polarized views but is not used for factual reporting due to its inconclusive nature.
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