TMC Crisis Deepens: Mamata Banerjee Issues Warning to Mahua Moitra After Clash With Kalyan Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) president and West Bengal president Minister, reportedly issued a severe warning to firebrand MP Mahua Moitra following a heated exchange with fellow party MP Kalyan Banerjee. The episode, which has provoked outrage both within and beyond the party, reveals internal divides ahead of the 2025 Lok Sabha elections.
According to an India TV report, Moitra received the rebuke from a senior Rajya Sabha MP who warned her against further disruptive behavior. If the behavior continues, she may face disciplinary action, including suspension from party obligations.
Verbal Spat Erupts Between Moitra and Banerjee
The altercation apparently occurred on April 4 at the Election Commission of India (ECI) offices, where both MPs were presenting a memorandum. Moitra, renowned for her outspoken nature and frequent engagement in debates, allegedly felt marginalized over speaking time allocations, which are controlled by Kalyan Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.
Moitra, apparently furious at being sidelined, confronted Banerjee, escalating tensions. According to insiders, the debate turned into a heated confrontation in which foul language was reportedly used. Moitra also allegedly made a nasty remark in Bengali, calling Banerjee a “chhoto lok” (lowly person), bringing his daughter into the conversation.
BJP Amplifies the Issue on Social Media
The spat gained national traction after BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya shared video clips and WhatsApp screenshots of the argument on platform X (formerly Twitter). These materials supposedly captured an intense moment between the two MPs at the ECI office, drawing widespread attention and sparking political debate.
Malviya further claimed that the argument turned so intense that police presence was requested to de-escalate the situation.
What Triggered the Altercation?
According to sources close to Kalyan Banerjee, the disagreement stemmed from a signature gathering issue for the TMC group attending the ECI. Banerjee, who had been tasked with obtaining signatures by MP Derek O’Brien, was unavailable owing to a prior Supreme Court commitment. He handed the work to his secretary.
When Banerjee later joined the delegation, Moitra allegedly approached him, claiming her name was left off the final list. This prompted the now-public confrontation between the two presidents.
TMC Leadership Steps In
After getting a thorough report from Derek O’Brien, Mamata Banerjee is believed to have intervened. The party’s leadership sees the situation as harmful to internal cohesion and counterproductive to its election goals. Banerjee’s direct warning to Moitra is to reassert discipline and unity among the TMC ranks.