Choose between Abhishek and me: Kalyan Banerjee gives Mamata an ultimatum

File photo of Trinamool Congress MP and Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee. | Photo credit: ANI

Senior Trinamool Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee on Thursday (June 11, 2026) issued an ultimatum to his superior Mamata Banerjee to choose between her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and veterans like him, accusing the party’s national general secretary of “arrogance and wavering thinking”.

Mr. Kalyan, also a senior advocate, said he would abstain from all legal matters and court applications involving Mr. Abhishek, though the MP said he would continue to challenge cases involving the Trinamool party.

A case of signature forgery

The rift between the two leaders reached a tipping point after Mr Kalyan – who represented Mr Abhishek in the Calcutta High Court in the CID signature forgery case – was reportedly informed that the Diamond Harbor MP had filed a separate written request with regard to the agency’s search operations at the Trinamool office at Mamata Banerjee’s residence and the Camaca Kalighat office.

“The two cases are related and I mentioned the issue of the search operation before the bench which was hearing the signature forgery matter. The judge listed the matter to be heard on Thursday. Later, some of Abhishek’s emissaries came to me to tell me that a separate court case was filed on the CID raid issue. I was taken aback as I was not aware of it,” Mr Kalyan told reporters.

The defense lawyer claimed that when he asked why he was not taken into confidence, he was told that it was done “as per instructions from above”.

“Had I known about it, I would not have mentioned the matter before the judge as two different benches cannot hear the same matter. Abhishek has many counsels, so I told the party that I will not represent him in any court case in future as it is impossible to deal with such arrogance and change of mind. I was later informed that his cases will be contested by a junior lawyer,” Mr Kalyan said.

“No respect for experience”

The Lok Sabha MP from Sreerampur lashed out at Mr Abhishek, alleging that the party general secretary had shown “no respect” for his “45 years of professional experience”.

“He should not treat me like a dustbin or an employee of his Camac Street office,” Mr Kalyan declared.

He said the ball is now in Mamata Banerjee’s court to decide whether to run the Trinamool with her nephew or party loyalists like him.

‘Not My Leader’

“I will remain in this party only if Abhishek is removed from all leadership positions and kept only as a rank-and-file worker. Abhishek, who misbehaves with seniors and has a bossy attitude, cannot be my leader in the party. It will not be possible for me to remain in the Trinamool Congress if he remains the leader,” Kalyan said.

“Didi (Mamata Banerjee) has to take a final call whether she will keep her blood relative or workers like me who have put 40 years of our lives for her and this party,” he added.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 16:47 IST