A public disagreement between Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee and senior party leader Kalyan Banerjee overshadowed the party’s Martyrs’ Day rally in Kolkata after the MP walked out following a dispute over the length of his speech.

The incident unfolded after Kalyan Banerjee delivered an address lasting nearly 23 minutes. As the programme fell behind schedule, organisers reportedly asked him to conclude his speech so that other leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, could address the gathering before the event’s scheduled end.

What Triggered the Dispute?

According to party sources, all speakers had been requested to keep their remarks brief because of a packed programme. However, Kalyan Banerjee continued speaking for around 22 to 23 minutes, using much of his address to criticise the BJP and the breakaway Trinamool faction led by Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee.

As he stepped off the stage, a verbal exchange reportedly took place between him and Mamata Banerjee. Shortly afterwards, the Serampore MP left the venue without waiting for the speeches of Mamata Banerjee or party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Sources claimed the delay forced organisers to remove several leaders from the speakers’ list to ensure the rally concluded within the court-mandated deadline.

Kalyan Banerjee Says He Was ‘Extremely Hurt’

Rejecting claims that he exceeded his allotted time, Kalyan Banerjee said interruptions caused by the arrival of senior leaders extended the overall duration of his speech.

He explained that he paused when Abhishek Banerjee and later Mamata Banerjee entered the stage before resuming his address.

Calling the episode humiliating, the MP said he was “extremely hurt” and felt he did not deserve such treatment despite working tirelessly for the party.

When asked whether he had spoken to Mamata Banerjee after the incident, he said he had not. He also dismissed speculation that the episode could prompt him to leave the party.

Schedule Disrupted at the Rally

Party insiders said the extended speech affected the overall schedule of the programme.

With the rally required to conclude by 3 pm under High Court directions, organisers reportedly had limited time before the speeches of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

As a result, several leaders who were scheduled to speak—including Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad, Dola Sen, Sagarika Ghose and Rajeev Kumar—were reportedly dropped from the programme.

The Trinamool Congress has not issued an official statement on the incident.

A Loyalist Amid Internal Political Changes

The episode has attracted attention because Kalyan Banerjee has remained one of Mamata Banerjee’s most vocal supporters following the Trinamool Congress split after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

While several senior leaders joined the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, Kalyan continued to publicly defend Mamata Banerjee and frequently criticised the breakaway group, describing it as aligned with the BJP.

Although he has previously had disagreements within the party—including a public dispute with Abhishek Banerjee over legal representation—the differences were later resolved, and both leaders publicly expressed mutual respect.

Despite the latest public disagreement, there has been no indication from either side that the incident has altered Kalyan Banerjee’s position within the Mamata Banerjee-led faction.

FAQs

Why did Kalyan Banerjee walk out of the TMC Martyrs’ Day rally?

He walked out after a reported verbal exchange with Mamata Banerjee over the length of his speech, which allegedly delayed the event’s schedule.

Did Kalyan Banerjee admit to exceeding his speaking time?

No. He said he paused multiple times because Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee arrived during his speech and insisted he did not exceed his allotted time.

Why was the rally schedule affected?

According to party sources, Kalyan Banerjee’s lengthy address delayed the programme, leaving insufficient time for all scheduled speakers before the court-mandated closing time.

Did the Trinamool Congress issue an official statement?

No. The party had not released any official statement regarding the incident at the time of reporting.

Is Kalyan Banerjee leaving the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC?

There is no indication of that. When questioned, Kalyan Banerjee dismissed speculation about leaving the party despite expressing disappointment over the incident.