Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Kalyan Banerjee (File photo) NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on the rebel faction led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, describing its members as “desperate” and accusing them of betraying party supremo Mamata Banerjee. He also targeted the BJP, alleging that it was attempting to weaken the Mamata Banerjee-led party.Addressing a presser, Kalyan Banerjee asserted that the rebel camp lacks the numbers needed to comfortably overcome the provisions of the anti-defection law. He further branded the dissidents as “gaddar” and accused them of being “desperate for power.”His remarks came after rebel TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar delivered a defiant response to the party leadership.”Mera sar katega lekin jhukega nahi… Maine bohot seh liya… I did not come here after Mamata Banerjee became chief minister in 2011; I have been fighting here for 40 years. And as I said, the words of such people have absolutely no effect on me.”She also sought to frame the rebellion as a larger cause beyond party politics.”We will find out what happens later. For now, isn’t it enough that we want to work for Bengal, for the country, and to keep India secure? This is a crucial issue. The issue of the nation is paramount to us.”The exchange marks the latest escalation in the growing rift within the Trinamool Congress, with both camps hardening their positions amid an intensifying political battle.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos8 Workers Killed, Several Critical After Molten Steel Explosion At Vizag Steel PlantAmit Shah Chairs High-Level Yamuna Review Meet, Pushes Integrated Action Plan For River RejuvenationKashmiri Diaspora Stages Massive UK Protests Against Alleged Military Crackdown In PoJKIndia Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls Airstrikes On Afghanistan ‘Massacre’ And ‘Hypocrisy’Supreme Court Pulls Up CBSE Over Delay In Class 12 Improvement Results, Seeks Solution By FridayInternet Cut, Drones Deployed As Jaipur Widens Key Road Amid Encroachment Row | WatchTMC Rift Deepens As Mahua Targets Yusuf Pathan After MPs Back NDA Alignment | WatchINDIA Bloc Meet: Alliance Partners Challenge Congress’ Leadership & ‘Cross Comments’ During PollsKakoli Ghosh Hits Out At TMC Over Bengal’s Decline, Claims 20 MPs Support Separate TMC FactionPraggnanandhaa Surprised By CM Vijay’s Chess Skills During Felicitation Ceremony | Watch123PhotostoriesDiscover the best temple for wish fulfillment according to your birth dateRunning shoes vs sneakers: What’s the difference and which one should your feet actually be wearing?What is Modi diet and lifestyle plan? Celebrity nutritionist shares 8-course meal plan prepared for PM Narendra Modi7 unbelievable bird migrations around the world that travellers need to bookmarkTop residential hotspots emerging along India’s new metro corridors10 baby names with the letter X that sound modern and coolThere are only 4 American states that begin with the letter ‘W’, and they hide some of the world’s most iconic wondersExclusive – Avinash Mishra opens up on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, his training and Eisha Singh’s support; says ‘She has confidence in me; it’s been very encouraging and heartening’People will instantly take you more seriously when you start doing these 10 things10 subtle signs someone may be jealous of you, as per psychology123Hot PicksMHT CET Result 2026Emiliano MartínezUKSSSC Patwari Admit CardIran AttackShubman GillDianna Russini ScandalDU Professor MurderNFL Trade RumorOJEE Result 2026Top TrendingStock Market TodayUS Iran warGold Rate TodayIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on the rebel faction led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, describing its members as “desperate” and accusing them of betraying party supremo Mamata Banerjee. He also targeted the BJP, alleging that it was attempting to weaken the Mamata Banerjee-led party.Addressing a presser, Kalyan Banerjee asserted that the rebel camp lacks the numbers needed to comfortably overcome the provisions of the anti-defection law. He further branded the dissidents as “gaddar” and accused them of being “desperate for power.”His remarks came after rebel TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar delivered a defiant response to the party leadership.“Mera sar katega lekin jhukega nahi… Maine bohot seh liya… I did not come here after Mamata Banerjee became chief minister in 2011; I have been fighting here for 40 years. And as I said, the words of such people have absolutely no effect on me.”She also sought to frame the rebellion as a larger cause beyond party politics.“We will find out what happens later. For now, isn’t it enough that we want to work for Bengal, for the country, and to keep India secure? This is a crucial issue. The issue of the nation is paramount to us.”The exchange marks the latest escalation in the growing rift within the Trinamool Congress, with both camps hardening their positions amid an intensifying political battle.