Kolkata: Amid growing differences within the Trinamool Congress, party MP and senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, accusing him of “arrogance” and “misbehaviour” and warning that he may quit if party supremo Mamata Banerjee feels she cannot run the organisation without her nephew.
Kalyan Banerjee’s remarks came after he was allegedly not informed about a separate petition filed by another lawyer in a case involving Abhishek Banerjee before the Calcutta High Court.
Speaking to IANS, Kalyan Banerjee explained the events that led to his outburst.
Abhishek Banerjee had filed a petition challenging the summons issued to him by the West Bengal Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the legislators’ signature mismatch case. The petition also sought interim protection from any coercive action by the police, including arrest.
“Yesterday, I mentioned the matter before the court and said that the case requires an urgent hearing. The court said that the matter would be taken up tomorrow (Thursday). Around 12.30, one lawyer came and said that another petition had been filed regarding search and seizure. How can you file it without consulting me?” Kalyan Banerjee said.
The senior advocate said he was upset after allegedly not being consulted despite representing Abhishek Banerjee in the case.
“I was told that this matter has been filed and that it will be argued by Kishore Dutt. I said, ‘Let him argue, I don’t mind’. Then all this matter should be handled by one person,” he said.
“Let him take the matter, I am not interested in appearing. I should not be treated as a dustbin. The whole day, nothing was informed to me. I got myself prepared till yesterday night. Around 12:30, my son received a message that Kalyan Banerjee is not required anymore,” he added.
Kalyan Banerjee also pointed out that the lawyers who have now been appointed to argue Abhishek Banerjee’s case had earlier worked under him as juniors.
“Is this the respect for a senior lawyer? It is a great humiliation for me. His (Abhishek’s) arrogant attitude has destroyed the entire party. He should understand that. His misbehaviour has destroyed everything,” he said.
Continuing his attack, Kalyan Banerjee said Abhishek Banerjee considered himself “a king” even during difficult times for the party.
“He thinks of himself as a king, even in the bad days. Meanwhile, I have stood for the party, behind Mamata Banerjee, during the bad days,” he said.
He urged Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to decide the future course of action.
“It is impossible for me to work because of this arrogant attitude of Abhishek Banerjee. Now let ‘Didi’ (Mamata Banerjee) decide what should be done,” he said.
However, Kalyan Banerjee reiterated that he continues to support Mamata Banerjee.
“I am with Mamata Banerjee. But Mamata Di has to choose between me and Abhishek. She has to decide first. Mamata Di has to first decide that if she cannot move the party without Abhishek Banerjee, then I will not be there,” he said.
With IANS inputs