CM Mamata bars MPs from doing interviews after Kalyan-Kirti spat

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is reportedly “extremely upset” after a video of a heated argument between two party MPs was leaked and widely circulated. The video shows a public spat that took place on April 4 at the Election Commission of India headquarters in New Delhi during a TMC delegation visit. The incident has triggered a political storm, with the BJP seizing the moment by releasing the footage and related chats online.

The BJP’s IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya shared the video and screenshots of WhatsApp conversations on platform X, claiming that the confrontation was between senior MP Kalyan Banerjee and another party MP. Malviya identified the location as the Election Commission premises and claimed the dispute broke out during the delegation’s official engagement. According to him, the video shows Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien attempting to deescalate the situation.

In the video, Kalyan Banerjee is purportedly heard saying, “They are so unruly,” and, “Saying will get me arrested...” as he confronts the other MP. Derek O’Brien is seen trying to intervene, saying, “We are in a public space brother, I’m pleading with you.” BJP’s Amit Malviya also claimed that the spat continued with further derogatory remarks aimed at the other MP, referring to her as the "Versatile International Lady (VIL)," though the full context remains unclear.

Following the leak, Mamata Banerjee reportedly called for immediate damage control within the party. According to Trinamool sources, she has directed all party MPs to stay calm, avoid giving any interviews, and refrain from making the situation worse. She reportedly told party members, “No MP should fan this crisis any further.” The incident has come at a politically sensitive time as campaigning for the 2025 Lok Sabha elections intensifies.