Mamata Banerjee, Kalyan Banerjee Clash at TMC Martyrs' Day Rally; MP Walks Out After Speech

A public disagreement between Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee and senior party MP Kalyan Banerjee overshadowed the party's Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata after the Serampore MP walked out following a heated exchange over the duration of his speech.

The incident unfolded during the party's annual programme and has drawn attention because Kalyan Banerjee is regarded as one of Mamata Banerjee's closest political associates despite recent internal challenges within the party.

What Triggered the Dispute?

The controversy began while Kalyan Banerjee was addressing the gathering.

As Mamata Banerjee arrived at the venue, the MP briefly paused his speech to welcome her before continuing. Organisers later requested him to conclude his remarks as the event was running behind schedule.

According to party sources, leaders had been instructed to keep their speeches brief because of a long list of scheduled speakers. However, Kalyan Banerjee's address lasted for nearly 23 minutes, reportedly delaying the programme.

After stepping down from the stage, an exchange of words reportedly took place between the two leaders, following which Kalyan Banerjee left the venue without waiting for the speeches of Mamata Banerjee or party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Kalyan Banerjee Says He Was 'Extremely Hurt'

Responding to the controversy, Kalyan Banerjee rejected claims that he had exceeded his allotted speaking time.

He said he had paused his speech when both Abhishek Banerjee and Mamata Banerjee arrived on stage and argued that these interruptions should have been considered while calculating his speaking time.

Expressing disappointment over the incident, the MP said he felt "extremely hurt" by the treatment he received, adding that he had worked tirelessly for the party during a politically challenging period.

When asked whether he had spoken to Mamata Banerjee after the incident, he said he had not. He also declined to speculate on suggestions that the episode could affect his future within the party.

Programme Reportedly Affected

Party sources said the prolonged speech disrupted the schedule of the rally.

With the event required to conclude within the permitted time, several leaders who were expected to address the gathering reportedly did not get an opportunity to speak.

The rally schedule had also included speeches by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

Speech Focused on BJP and Party Rebels

During his address, Kalyan Banerjee criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and targeted the breakaway faction within the Trinamool Congress.

He alleged that the rival group was being backed by the BJP and maintained that grassroots TMC workers continued to support Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

His remarks came amid continuing political tensions following the split within the Trinamool Congress after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

A Trusted Leader Amid Internal Challenges

Kalyan Banerjee has remained one of Mamata Banerjee's prominent supporters even after several senior leaders left to join the rival faction.

Although he has occasionally differed with other leaders within the party, including Abhishek Banerjee, previous disagreements were later resolved publicly.

The latest episode has once again brought internal dynamics within the Trinamool Congress into focus, though the party has not issued an official statement on the incident.

Key Highlights

• Kalyan Banerjee walked out of the TMC Martyrs' Day rally after a reported disagreement with Mamata Banerjee.
• The dispute centred on the duration of the MP's speech.
• Kalyan Banerjee denied exceeding his allotted time and said he was "extremely hurt."
• Party sources said the delay affected the event schedule and reduced speaking opportunities for other leaders.
• The MP criticised the BJP and the breakaway TMC faction during his address.
• The Trinamool Congress has not issued an official statement on the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Kalyan Banerjee walk out of the TMC rally?

He reportedly walked out after a verbal exchange with Mamata Banerjee over the length of his speech during the Martyrs' Day programme.

What was the disagreement about?

Party sources said Kalyan Banerjee spoke for nearly 23 minutes, delaying the programme. The MP, however, denied exceeding his allotted time.

What did Kalyan Banerjee say after the incident?

He said he was "extremely hurt" by the episode and maintained that interruptions during his speech should have been taken into account.

Did Kalyan Banerjee speak to Mamata Banerjee afterward?

No. He said he had not spoken to the TMC chief following the incident.

Why is the episode politically significant?

Kalyan Banerjee is considered one of Mamata Banerjee's senior loyalists and has remained with her despite internal divisions within the party.

Has the Trinamool Congress issued an official statement?

No official statement had been issued by the party regarding the incident at the time of reporting.