“Pig”, “Anti-Women”: After Kalyan Banerjee Vs Mahua Moitra, A Resignation Rocks TMC

The internal rift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has spilled into the public sphere, following a bitter war of words between senior party MP Kalyan Banerjee and firebrand leader Mahua Moitra. The conflict, marked by derogatory exchanges, social media confrontations, and thinly-veiled insults, culminated in the resignation of a key party functionary, deepening the perception of a widening crack within the TMC’s top leadership.

At the heart of the turmoil lies a series of sexist and offensive remarks allegedly made by Kalyan Banerjee targeting Moitra. As the controversy unfolded, it unleashed a storm of criticism and forced the party to confront uncomfortable questions about internal democracy, gender sensitivity, and discipline.

Timeline of the Controversy: From Remarks to Resignation

The episode began with an explosive public altercation during a closed-door meeting of the party’s internal parliamentary committee earlier this week. Sources suggest that senior leader Kalyan Banerjee referred to Mahua Moitra in derogatory terms including “pig” and accused her of being “anti-women”, reportedly due to her vocal criticism of certain male leaders and her political assertiveness.

The remarks, leaked via internal sources, went viral on social media after Moitra indirectly responded on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “When leaders resort to filth and misogyny, they reveal their fear.”

What followed was an avalanche of reactions:

The Resignation That Stunned the Party

In a move that took the leadership by surprise, Ananya Sen, the General Secretary of TMC’s youth wing and a well-known face in Kolkata’s civic movements, submitted her resignation. In her statement, Sen wrote:

“As a woman and a loyal party worker, I cannot remain silent while our own leaders use sexist slurs against one of our brightest women MPs. This goes against the ethos of the party I joined.”

Sen’s resignation letter further emphasized that if strong action is not taken, the party risks alienating young and progressive members who had once rallied around its promise of inclusive politics.

Her resignation sparked widespread debate, especially among the younger ranks of the party, with many expressing solidarity with Moitra and condemning the silence of the leadership.

Silence at the Top: Mamata Banerjee Yet to Comment

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, known for her strong feminist stance, has so far refrained from commenting on the dispute. This silence has drawn criticism both from within the party and outside. Political observers believe the leadership is attempting to manage the rift internally to avoid fueling BJP narratives ahead of the crucial 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Mahua Moitra: Rising Star or Isolated Voice?

Mahua Moitra, often described as one of the most articulate and fearless MPs in Indian politics, has long been a controversial figure within her own party. Her direct style, aggressive stance against corruption, and vocal criticism of male colleagues have not always gone down well with the traditionalist faction of the TMC.

In her recent interviews, Moitra did not deny the confrontation but maintained she would not be “intimidated by patriarchal bullying.”

“This is not the TMC I joined. We fought against abuse and injustice, and now we’re seeing it within our own ranks. If we don’t fix this rot, we’re doomed,” she told a senior journalist off record.

Gender Dynamics Within TMC

While TMC has often projected itself as a party that empowers women — with several women holding key administrative and electoral positions — this episode has exposed the deep-rooted patriarchal undercurrents within its ranks.

Despite this impressive representation, insiders claim that female voices in strategic decision-making remain underrepresented and often face pushback from powerful male leaders.

Political Reactions and Public Sentiment

Opposition parties were quick to seize the opportunity:

• BJP: “This is the real face of TMC — sexist, intolerant, and dictatorial,” said BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari.
• Congress: “We stand with Mahua Moitra. No woman should be subjected to this kind of abuse in politics.”
• CPI(M): “This is what happens when personality cults replace inner-party democracy.”

Civil society organizations and women’s rights groups also chimed in, demanding public apology from Kalyan Banerjee and calling for the party to set up an internal grievance redressal mechanism.

TMC’s Internal Clean-Up: Will Action Be Taken?

Sources inside TMC confirm that a discreet inquiry has been ordered by Mamata Banerjee’s office to investigate the episode. Senior leaders like Abhishek Banerjee and Subrata Bakshi are reportedly tasked with diffusing tensions.

However, there’s little clarity on whether punitive action will be taken against Kalyan Banerjee or whether the issue will be brushed under the carpet with an internal patch-up.

A section of TMC insiders believe that inaction could severely dent the party’s progressive image, especially among urban and youth voters.

Social Media Storm: Support for Mahua, Trolls Target Both

The internet reacted with fury and sympathy in equal measure. Hashtags such as #IStandWithMahua, #TMCInternalWar, and #SexismInPolitics trended across platforms.

Prominent journalists, celebrities, and social commentators expressed dismay at the crude language used and urged political parties to do more to protect women in leadership.

The Road Ahead: An Inflection Point for TMC?

This controversy marks a critical juncture for the Trinamool Congress. It must now decide whether it wants to double down on internal loyalty at the cost of moral authority or take a bold stance against misogyny and infuse real accountability within its ranks.

Whether Mahua Moitra stays or exits, whether Kalyan Banerjee is reprimanded or defended — these decisions will shape not just TMC’s internal culture but also its credibility in the national political landscape.

Disclaimer: This article is based on internal party developments, reported statements, and verified public sources. The views expressed are based on reported incidents and not intended to defame any individual or party. Readers are advised to cross-verify any conclusions drawn from this report.