‘A father forgives’: Kalyan Banerjee’s U-turn from ‘arrogant’ to ‘son-like’ Abhishek Banerjee

Kolkata: Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee has softened his public stance on party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, referring to him as “like my son”, just a day after calling him “arrogant”.

The remark comes amid one of the most visible internal tensions in the party in recent years, marked by public criticism, factional rifts, and emerging dissent within its parliamentary ranks.

Background: how the internal rift escalated

The latest controversy is rooted in a growing divide within the Trinamool Congress following electoral setbacks in West Bengal and differences over organisational control and leadership style.

Over recent weeks, multiple senior leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s internal functioning, with criticism increasingly directed towards Abhishek Banerjee, who holds a key organisational role in the party alongside party chief Mamata Banerjee.

Kalyan Banerjee, a four-time Lok Sabha MP and senior advocate, was among the most vocal critics, openly questioning Abhishek Banerjee’s conduct and influence within the party structure.

What Kalyan Banerjee said earlier

Before his conciliatory remarks, Kalyan Banerjee had sharply criticised Abhishek Banerjee, accusing him of disrespect towards senior leaders and calling him “arrogant”.

He had also said: “He thinks everyone is beneath him, as if everyone is merely an employee from Camac Street.” In another strong statement, he remarked: “Despite my decades-long legal and political career, he does not respect anyone.”

At the height of the disagreement, he even suggested that party chief Mamata Banerjee would have to choose between her nephew and long-standing party workers, highlighting the seriousness of the internal divide.

Latest remarks: Attempt at reconciliation

On Saturday, however, Kalyan Banerjee significantly softened his tone while speaking to reporters, stating: “He is like my son. It is the work of the father to forgive all faults made by a son.”

He also added a broader political comment: “Democracy is under threat in the country. West Bengal never faced a situation where the opposition was wiped out. This CM is vindictive. This is danger for democracy.”

These remarks indicate a partial cooling of tensions, even as underlying disagreements remain unresolved.

Organisational tensions within TMC

The incident is part of a wider internal churn within the Trinamool Congress. Reports suggest that several MPs and MLAs have expressed dissatisfaction with leadership decisions, contributing to what party insiders describe as an “unusual phase of instability” within the organisation.

Kalyan Banerjee himself has been linked to differences over legal representation matters and internal coordination issues, including a dispute that led him to step away from representing Abhishek Banerjee in a legal matter.

Rebel faction and claims of division

Adding to the instability, a section of TMC MPs is reportedly attempting to organise separately within Parliament. Claims have emerged that around 19 MPs may be aligning as a distinct group, although the party has not officially confirmed any split.

Kalyan Banerjee dismissed the rebel move, stating: “Let them do what they want. They will have to live under the shelter of the BJP.”

He also alleged political targeting of opposition leaders in West Bengal, saying: “BJP is harassing us, the police are harassing us.” These statements reflect both internal tension and external political confrontation shaping the party’s current narrative.

Position of Abhishek Banerjee

Abhishek Banerjee, who is at the centre of the criticism, has responded cautiously to earlier remarks. He has avoided escalation, reportedly stating: “Kalyan Banerjee is older than me. He has the right to express his views. He has seen me since my childhood. I won't speak anything against him.”

His restrained response contrasts with the sharper exchanges seen earlier in the week.

Political context: Why the dispute matters

The TMC, which has dominated West Bengal politics for over a decade, is currently navigating a sensitive phase marked by:

• Electoral setbacks and organisational introspection
• Leadership coordination challenges
• Emergence of factional voices within Parliament
• Speculation about alignment shifts among dissident MPs

The public nature of the disagreement between senior leaders like Kalyan Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee has amplified perceptions of internal strain within the party.

While Kalyan Banerjee’s latest remarks signal a softer and more reconciliatory tone towards Abhishek Banerjee, the broader internal challenges within the Trinamool Congress remain unresolved. With factional activity, public statements, and organisational differences continuing, the situation reflects an ongoing period of adjustment and instability within the party’s leadership structure.