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Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday defended his absence from the INDIA bloc’s protest march to the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying he did not owe an explanation to anyone and that his loyalty to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “unquestionable” and would remain unchanged.

 

Days after stepping down as the Chief Whip of the Trinamool Congress in the Lok Sabha, the four-time MP has shown signs of unease within the party. On Monday, he was seen exchanging warm greetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public event, further fuelling speculation over his political stance.

 

In a post on X, Banerjee highlighted his role on the Parliamentary House Committee since 2014, saying that under his supervision and proposals, 184 flats were built at Baba Kharag Singh Marg for Members of Parliament to address the shortage of bungalows for newly elected MPs. He said the project had been a “no small task” but was successfully completed.

 

He explained that at 10 a.m. on Monday, Modi inaugurated the residential complex, after which he left for the Supreme Court to attend two key matters — Trinamool’s challenge to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, and a separate matter on OBC issues.

 

Both cases were heard on Monday, with the voter list matter scheduled for another hearing on Tuesday.

 

“Because of this, I could not join the Dharna in front of the Election Commission. I don’t owe an explanation for my absence, but I know there are people who are always looking for a chance to attack me,” Banerjee wrote.

 

“Let them try — last election, even with all their plotting, I won by a margin of 1,75,000 votes. Brother, I have my own conviction, honesty, and sincerity. My loyalty to Mamata Banerjee is unquestionable and it will remain the same,” he added.

 

Banerjee’s friendly exchange with the Prime Minister has triggered speculation over a possible rift between him and the Trinamool Congress.

 

Last week, after resigning as Chief Whip, Banerjee alleged on social media that the party leadership had overlooked his contributions and had stayed silent despite repeated insults directed at him by fellow Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra.

 

He criticised the leadership, including Mamata Banerjee, for taking no action against Moitra.

 

His resignation was accepted immediately, and fellow four-time MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar was appointed as the new Chief Whip. The party has not commented on Banerjee’s public interaction with Modi.