"Ashamed of perverted mentality": Kalyan Banerjee's sharp jibe on Mahua Moitra over Kasba gangrape comment

The alleged gangrape of a student at Kasba Law College has exposed a significant rift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with senior party MP Kalyan Banerjee issuing a scathing criticism that has put the party leadership on the defensive. After the party officially distanced itself from his initial remarks, Banerjee publicly expressed his displeasure, intensifying the internal conflict.

Speaking at a program on Saturday, Kalyan Banerjee had stated, "I feel ashamed! I have been in the party for so many days, I do not understand why people with such a perverted mentality are in our party? Those who have committed this heinous crime should be expelled from the party." This strong condemnation came after earlier controversial comments where he appeared to shift blame, asking "What can be done if a friend rapes his own friend?" and questioning police presence in colleges. The party then released a statement on X, clarifying that remarks made by both Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra were "personal capacities" and "do not reflect the position of the party."

However, Banerjee quickly retorted on social media, expressing complete disagreement with the party's post and questioning if they were "indirectly supporting the leaders who are shielding these criminals." He further asserted that "mere academic statements won't bring any real change unless immediate action is taken against those leaders directly responsible." The unfolding public spat highlights growing dissent within the Trinamool Congress, particularly concerning its handling of sensitive issues like crimes against women and accountability within party ranks, especially given the alleged links of one of the accused to the TMC student wing.