The leak of an internal spat among Trinamool Congress MPs has created a significant embarrassment for the party, just as election season gains momentum. The controversy centers on a video and WhatsApp screenshots—released by BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya—that allegedly capture a fierce argument involving senior Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee, possibly Mahua Moitra, and Derek O’Brien attempting to mediate.
The incident reportedly took place on April 4 at the Election Commission of India headquarters, where the Trinamool delegation had gone to submit a representation. According to the video, Kalyan Banerjee can be heard making sharp remarks like “They are so unruly” and even, “Saying will get me arrested,” indicating deep internal friction. O’Brien, aware of the public setting, tries to calm the situation, pleading: “We are in a public space, brother.”
While Mahua Moitra’s name has not been officially confirmed, senior Trinamool leader Saugata Roy told the media that she was the one involved in the spat with Kalyan Banerjee. Moitra has yet to comment publicly.
Trinamool sources told India Today that Mamata Banerjee is “extremely upset” over the leak and its timing. She has reportedly instructed all her party MPs to stay composed and avoid giving any interviews to the media, indicating an urgent damage-control effort. Her response suggests concern not only about the infighting but also about the party’s image being shaped by BJP’s narrative just ahead of the elections.
The BJP, meanwhile, is capitalizing on the moment. By releasing the footage and highlighting apparent disarray within Trinamool, Amit Malviya and others are trying to portray the ruling West Bengal party as divided, dysfunctional, and unstable. The leaked material appears to be part of a larger BJP strategy to target Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and the internal discipline of her party.
This episode comes at a sensitive time for Trinamool, as it faces fierce political competition both from the BJP and the Congress-Left alliance. It also underscores growing tensions within the party, particularly around Mahua Moitra, who has been at the center of multiple controversies in recent months, including her expulsion from Parliament over the "cash for query" case.
Mamata Banerjee’s swift intervention signals her intent to prevent further escalation, but the damage may already have been done in terms of public perception.
