A public feud within the Trinamool Congress intensified on Tuesday after rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to expel fellow party MP Kalyan Banerjee over allegations of repeated misogynistic remarks and misconduct in Parliament.
In her complaint, the Barasat MP accused Banerjee of habitually using objectionable language against women parliamentarians and claimed his conduct had created an atmosphere that discouraged their participation in House proceedings.
Speaking on the issue, Dastidar said individuals who repeatedly disrespect women and fellow lawmakers should face consequences.
“A habitual offender and a misogynistic person should be punished under the law. If he repeatedly coerced honourable members or any other lady through bad names, behaves badly, he should be punished,” she said.
Letter to Speaker cites repeated misconduct
In her letter to the Speaker, Dastidar referred to a previous complaint submitted on May 28 and requested appropriate action against Banerjee for his alleged behaviour within Parliament’s precincts.
She alleged that the TMC MP had repeatedly used objectionable, disrespectful and inappropriate language against her and other women MPs during parliamentary proceedings.
According to the complaint, such behaviour falls short of the standards expected from elected representatives and affects the dignity and decorum of parliamentary debate.
Dastidar said the alleged behaviour was not an isolated incident. She alleged that Banerjee’s conduct reflected a continuing pattern of personal attacks, intimidation and misogynistic comments directed at women parliamentarians.
She also claimed that such behaviour discourages women members from participating freely in debates and discussions inside the House.
Referring to Rules 349 and 352 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, Dastidar argued that repeated insulting, derogatory and misogynistic remarks by a member are inconsistent with parliamentary norms and standards of conduct.