Why Does Kalyan Banerjee Feel No Need to Justify His Absence from the INDIA Bloc Protest?

New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee addressed the backlash regarding his non-attendance at the INDIA bloc's protest to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday. He emphasized that he doesn't owe an explanation to anyone, reiterating that his loyalty to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is "unquestionable" and remains steadfast.

After stepping down as the Chief Whip of the Trinamool Congress in the Lok Sabha, the four-time MP has exhibited signs of dissent within the party, including a friendly interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public event on Monday.

In a post on X, Banerjee stated, "Since 2014, I've been a part of the Parliamentary House Committee. Under our direct oversight, I played a significant role in constructing 184 flats at Baba Kharag Singh Marg for MPs, addressing the critical shortage of bungalows for newly elected representatives. It was a challenging endeavor, but we succeeded."

He noted that on Monday at 10 a.m., PM Modi inaugurated the residential facility, and by 10:30 a.m., he was on his way to the Supreme Court for two pressing issues: Trinamool's "challenge to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list," which was discussed both on Monday and will continue on Tuesday, as well as a "vital matter concerning OBC issues."

"As a result, I was unable to participate in the Dharna outside the Election Commission. I don’t feel the need to justify my absence, but I am aware that some individuals are always eager to criticize me," Banerjee mentioned.

"Let them attempt to undermine me—previously, despite their schemes, I won by a margin of 175,000 votes. I stand firm in my conviction, integrity, and dedication. My loyalty towards Mamata Banerjee is unwavering and will not change," he added.

His friendly interaction with the Prime Minister has raised speculations in the political arena about a potentially deepening divide between Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress.

After his resignation as Chief Whip last week, Banerjee took to social media to express that party leaders had disregarded his contributions and remained silent despite repeated insults from fellow Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra.

He also criticized the leadership, including Mamata Banerjee, for failing to address Moitra's conduct. His comments received no feedback from the party, and no action was taken against Moitra.

Banerjee's resignation was quickly acknowledged, and fellow four-time MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar was appointed as the new Chief Whip.

To date, no one from the Trinamool Congress has commented on Banerjee's public interaction with the Prime Minister during the event.