Kalyan Banerjee, a four-time MP from the Serampore constituency and a staunch supporter of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, is not any stranger to controversy. Recognized for his sharp tongue and daring remarks, Banerjee was suspended for a day from the parliamentary committee on the Waqf Invoice after an unpleasant spat on Tuesday, which noticed him smashing a glass water bottle and hurling it on the Chair throughout a heated argument.
The 67-year-old lawyer-turned-politician has earned a popularity as a “unfastened cannon” amongst his political opponents, ceaselessly making inflammatory statements that ignite public and political outrage. His newest outburst got here throughout a Joint Committee assembly on the Waqf (Modification) Invoice, the place Banerjee clashed with BJP MP and former Calcutta Excessive Court docket choose Abhijit Gangopadhyay.
In a scene that has now grow to be frequent for Banerjee, the argument between the 2 escalated shortly, with expletives flying of their native Bangla. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the assembly, mentioned he and different members tried to calm the state of affairs, however Banerjee picked up a glass bottle, smashed it, and threw it in the direction of the Chair. The TMC chief sustained minor accidents to his proper hand within the course of, slicing his thumb and little finger.
The Committee suspended Banerjee for a day, citing his use of inappropriate language and his violent actions. Pal said that Banerjee’s behavior of hurling cuss phrases was changing into a frequent difficulty, although some opposition members identified that Gangopadhyay additionally focused Banerjee in the course of the change.
Controversy’s Favorite Baby
That is hardly Banerjee’s first brush with controversy. Simply final week, he mocked junior docs protesting in opposition to the rape and homicide of a colleague, dismissing their “fast-unto-death” as a mere “fast-unto-hospitalisation” to draw media consideration. His remarks, like many earlier than them, drew widespread criticism.
In December final 12 months, Banerjee landed in sizzling water for mocking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar throughout an opposition protest outdoors Parliament. His imitation of the previous West Bengal governor sparked outrage, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressing their dismay.
Regardless of his abrasive public persona, Banerjee stays a key participant within the TMC. His authorized experience is valued throughout the occasion, and he usually serves because the go-to advisor on authorized issues involving the occasion or the West Bengal authorities.
Background And Political Profession
Banerjee’s political journey began with scholar politics earlier than transitioning right into a distinguished function within the TMC. He first gained important consideration in 2009 for criticizing then West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s leisurely time on the metropolis’s cultural hub, Nandan.
Through the years, his outbursts have grow to be an indicator of his profession. In 2012, Banerjee obtained right into a heated change with union minister Anand Sharma over the difficulty of international direct funding (FDI) when the TMC withdrew its help from the Congress-led UPA authorities.
In 2016, Banerjee stirred the pot as soon as once more, this time throughout protests in opposition to demonetisation outdoors the Reserve Financial institution of India’s workplace in Kolkata. His controversial remarks in opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to sharp condemnation.
And in January 2021, simply months earlier than the West Bengal meeting elections, Banerjee invoked non secular sentiments, slamming the BJP for the rape at Hathras by invoking Goddess Sita and Lord Ram. His remarks drew the ire of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the BJP, each of which demanded his rapid arrest.
Banerjee’s relationship with Jagdeep Dhankhar, throughout his time as West Bengal governor, was equally contentious. The TMC chief ceaselessly clashed with Dhankhar, main protests in opposition to the Raj Bhavan and even encouraging TMC staff to file police complaints in opposition to him. Banerjee hinted at potential authorized motion in opposition to Dhankhar as soon as his time period as governor ended.
Regardless of the lengthy record of controversies, Kalyan Banerjee’s affect throughout the TMC stays robust, due to his sharp authorized thoughts and unwavering loyalty to Mamata Banerjee. Whereas his detractors might label him a “unfastened cannon,” his significance throughout the occasion can’t be understated.
