In a developing internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress, Chief Whip Kalyan Banerjee denied accusations made by MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. Banerjee plans to request Speaker Om Birla’s approval for the CBI to prosecute Ghosh Dastidar in the Narada sting operation case. Sanctions were also sought against Trinamool MPs Saugata Roy and Prasun Banerjee in the same case.
Ghosh Dastidar, on the other hand, has written to the Speaker, alleging Banerjee of verbal abuse and disrespect towards Trinamool MPs. Banerjee defended himself by stating that any unethical behavior should be reported promptly to the Speaker for review by the Privilege Committee. He dismissed Ghosh Dastidar’s claims as false, suggesting they stem from her displeasure at being replaced as Chief Whip.
Banerjee challenged Ghosh Dastidar to specify the time and place of the alleged abuses and questioned why she did not report them earlier. He emphasized the importance of immediate reporting of such incidents in the Lok Sabha. Banerjee also criticized Ghosh Dastidar for her poor attendance in the House.
Regarding the Narada sting operation, Banerjee reiterated his stance, accusing Ghosh Dastidar of accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh. He expressed frustration over the delay in granting sanctions for her prosecution despite evidence from the CBI investigation. Banerjee highlighted the disparity in treatment, questioning why Ghosh Dastidar was not facing consequences like other arrested Bengal Ministers.
Banerjee further accused Ghosh Dastidar of elitism, alleging that she considers those educated in West Bengal as “uneducated” due to her education in London. He also mentioned a shift in opinions among leaders post the West Bengal Assembly election results on May 4.
