The Trinamool Congress (TMC), one of India’s most prominent political parties, finds itself grappling with yet another internal conflict—this time, fueled by an explosive exchange between two of its senior MPs, Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra. The controversy erupted following Banerjee’s controversial remarks regarding the recent Kolkata gangrape case, which has shocked the nation and reignited debates around safety, accountability, and misogyny in political discourse.
At the heart of the turmoil lies not just a difference of opinion—but a reflection of how gendered politics, internal party dynamics, and personal attacks continue to undermine public trust in political leadership.
The Spark: Kalyan Banerjee’s Controversial Comments
Speaking about the gangrape of a young woman in Kolkata, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee made a deeply troubling remark that immediately drew criticism across political and social spectrums. “How can one be saved if a friend rapes a friend?” he asked, further questioning whether police should be posted inside schools. The implications of his words were chilling and irresponsible, especially in a country where survivors of sexual violence are often blamed rather than supported.
The remarks not only displayed insensitivity towards the survivor, but also attempted to shift focus away from systemic failures—sparking outrage and condemnation. What made the incident even more consequential was the response from within his own party.
Mahua Moitra Hits Back
Fellow TMC MP Mahua Moitra did not hold back in calling out Banerjee’s statement. In a bold and clear message posted on X (formerly Twitter), she said:
“Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates @AITCofficial is that we condemn these disgusting comments no matter who makes them.”
Her remarks were in line with the broader public sentiment, demanding accountability and respect for survivors. Moitra’s stance earned support from many who believe politicians must be held to higher standards, especially when speaking on issues involving gender-based violence.
The Feud Escalates: Personal Attacks and Party Division
However, the situation quickly deteriorated from a debate on policy and gender sensitivity to personal mudslinging. Offended by Moitra’s criticism, Kalyan Banerjee responded with a barrage of personal attacks, bringing up Moitra’s marriage to former BJD MP Pinaki Misra, whom she married after his separation.
“She calls me anti-women? What is she? What has she done? She is back from her honeymoon. She has broken a man’s family of 40 years and married a 65-year-old man,” Banerjee said in an outburst that was both sexist and completely irrelevant to the matter at hand.
He further accused her of blocking women leaders within the TMC from rising in the party structure—allegations that appear to be aimed more at discrediting Moitra personally than engaging in any real debate about gender inclusion or political integrity.
A Party in Damage Control
The TMC leadership quickly moved to distance the party from Banerjee’s remarks. Sources within the party confirmed that he had been censured from speaking further on the issue, a rare move that indicates the depth of internal concern. However, the damage may already be done.
For a party that has often positioned itself as progressive and inclusive, the incident exposes a deep contradiction—that misogyny is not confined to rival parties but exists within their own ranks. It also underscores the fragility of unity within the TMC, especially when key voices like Mahua Moitra are being publicly attacked by senior colleagues.
Misogyny in Indian Politics: A Systemic Issue
What this incident highlights most starkly is that misogyny is systemic in Indian politics, cutting across party lines, states, and ideologies. Time and again, women leaders who speak up—whether on policy or against inappropriate remarks—are vilified, character-assassinated, or dismissed.
Moitra’s political career has been marked by both fierce advocacy and relentless personal scrutiny, a pattern all too common for outspoken women in public life. Her calling out of Banerjee’s statement was not an act of rebellion but one of basic responsibility—to uphold the values of empathy, justice, and dignity in leadership.
Banerjee’s retaliation, on the other hand, reflects the deep discomfort many male politicians feel when challenged by women, especially within their own ranks. Resorting to personal jabs, especially those involving family and marriage, is a classic deflection strategy used to discredit women and silence dissent.
What Comes Next?
This episode has become more than a feud between two politicians. It’s now a test case for the TMC and Indian politics as a whole. Will the party back strong voices like Moitra, who are demanding integrity and inclusion? Or will it allow internal sexism and hierarchical infighting to dictate its public image?
Furthermore, the broader question remains: How will Indian politics move beyond token representation of women to real inclusion and respect? Condemning rape and supporting gender equality must not be selective or performative. They must come with structural changes in how parties operate, how leaders are trained to speak, and how dissent is handled.
Final Thought
The Kolkata gangrape case is a horrifying reminder of the safety crisis faced by women in India. Instead of politicizing or downplaying such events, leaders should be mobilizing for urgent reform, police accountability, education on consent, and survivor justice.
The TMC’s internal conflict has peeled back the curtain on how deep-rooted gender biases continue to haunt Indian political culture. If the party, and the nation, wish to move forward, this must be seen not as a one-off controversy—but as a wake-up call for serious introspection and transformation.