New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Kalyan Banerjee, the Lok Sabha MP from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is known for his ability to stir controversy and direct harsh criticisms at his opponents, whether they belong to his political party or not. In his latest display of this aggressive style, he has publicly accused the Governor of West Bengal, C.V. Ananda Bose, of allegedly harboring BJP-backed criminals and facilitating the distribution of weapons and explosives from the Raj Bhavan to target TMC supporters.

In response to these serious allegations, the Governor has sought legal counsel and has mandated a thorough search of his official residence in Kolkata by security forces, including the bomb squad and sniffer dogs. Reports indicate that an FIR has been lodged by the Raj Bhavan regarding the accusations.

This incident marks another instance where Banerjee has publicly criticized the Raj Bhavan; he has previously labeled the incumbent as a “stooge of the BJP” and has openly challenged his actions, drawing significant backlash from the Governor's office.

The ongoing tension highlights the growing friction between the Centre and the state, placing Banerjee in a notable clash with a constitutional authority. Various reports underscore Banerjee's tendency to make blunt, confrontational remarks—whether in parliamentary sessions or public gatherings—that often lead to scandal and necessitate damage control by party leadership.

In August, he resigned from his role as the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, citing feelings of humiliation and unfair treatment from colleagues. This followed a series of confrontations with fellow TMC MPs, which he framed as taking responsibility after party Chairperson Mamata Banerjee pointed out a lack of coordination among party members during a meeting.

One of the most notable conflicts occurred in New Delhi when he clashed with fellow MP Mahua Moitra, resulting in an exchange of expletives. Some reports have suggested that his resignation was linked to this ongoing feud.

The altercation escalated into a significant controversy when video footage surfaced online, showing the two MPs arguing inside the Election Commission of India office. This was further compounded by a heated exchange in a private WhatsApp group that also leaked to the public. Mamata Banerjee had to intervene, instructing the MPs, particularly the three involved, to refrain from discussing the matter publicly.

A legal professional by training, Banerjee has encountered both formal and informal backlash, including interventions from party leadership and legal notices, which have placed him under the media microscope. Reports suggest that Mamata’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, the party’s General Secretary, has expressed reluctance about allowing him to represent the TMC in the upcoming 2024 elections from the Sreerampur Lok Sabha seat.

While Mamata previously supported him, her patience appears to be waning in light of Banerjee's repeated confrontations. During a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting, he once broke a glass in a fit of anger, injuring himself.

Additionally, he gained notoriety for mimicking the then Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar during a protest outside Parliament, a stunt that drew widespread criticism, with Dhankhar labeling the act as “ridiculous” and “unacceptable”.

Party insiders indicate that both Mamata and Abhishek have previously reprimanded him, with Abhishek now serving as the leader of the Lok Sabha.