Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A rift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has come to light following a heated argument between party MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad. The incident reportedly occurred on April 4 during a visit to the Election Commission headquarters in Delhi. The clash, which began in person, later spilled over to the party’s internal WhatsApp group.
According to sources, the confrontation started when one MP bypassed the party office and went directly to the Election Commission, against agreed protocol. The other MP took offense, leading to a verbal spat.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared screenshots and a video of the alleged altercation on the BJP’s official WhatsApp group, claiming it exposes the TMC’s internal discord. He stated that TMC MPs were instructed to first sign the party memorandum at the parliamentary office before heading to the EC. However, one MP reportedly skipped this step, triggering anger from the other.
Malviya alleged that the MPs had to be separated by security personnel during the altercation at the EC office. The situation reportedly escalated further in a party WhatsApp group titled “AITC MP 2024,” where Banerjee and Azad exchanged sharp comments.
The chat logs included Banerjee challenging Azad by sarcastically mentioning being arrested by BSF or Delhi Police and referencing a “Versatile International Lady.” In response, Azad accused Banerjee of acting under the influence of alcohol and behaving immaturely.
Azad remarked that despite Banerjee holding a significant position entrusted by CM Mamata Banerjee, his behavior was not befitting of that responsibility. He warned Banerjee not to provoke him, to which Banerjee retaliated by questioning Azad’s political credibility and referencing his exit from BJP and defeat in cricket administration elections.
While the authenticity of the shared video remains unverified, it allegedly shows Banerjee losing his temper, with party leader Derek O’Brien seen attempting to calm the situation. Both MPs are said to have reported the incident to Mamata Banerjee, who reportedly asked them to step down from their responsibilities.
The incident has sparked public curiosity over the identity of the so-called “Versatile International Lady,” a term mentioned in Banerjee’s message. Amit Malviya highlighted this point, stating it remains a mystery yet to be solved.
