TMC Rift: MP's Son Sues Mamata Over Barasat Ticket Claims

In a significant development that underscores deepening internal rifts within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, Dr. Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar, son of 'rebel' TMC Member of Parliament Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has initiated legal proceedings against party supremo Mamata Banerjee and five other senior TMC leaders. The psychiatrist by profession sent a comprehensive legal notice demanding a public apology and retraction of what he deems 'false, defamatory, and misleading statements' made against him. The legal notice, dispatched through his lawyer, targets former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with TMC MPs Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy, and former party leader Sonali Guha. At the heart of the dispute are alleged insinuations and direct claims suggesting that Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar had actively sought a party ticket to contest from the Barasat Assembly Constituency in the recently concluded 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. These claims, according to the notice, further implied that the alleged denial of such a nomination was the catalyst for his mother, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, adopting a dissident or 'rebel' political stance within the party. Dr. Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar has categorically denied these assertions, stating unequivocally that he 'neither sought nor desired any nomination for the Barasat Assembly Constituency and had no political ambition in that regard.' He emphasized that such statements are entirely baseless and have caused significant damage to his professional reputation as a distinguished psychiatrist and medical professional. Beyond the political ticket row, the legal notice also addresses highly personal and damaging allegations. Specifically, Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar vehemently refuted statements allegedly made by Sonali Guha, which claimed that he, his brother, and his mother, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, regularly consume alcohol. He has termed these allegations as 'completely untrue' and a malicious attempt to tarnish his and his family's personal and professional image. The legal notice serves as an ultimatum, demanding that the accused TMC leaders immediately cease and desist from making, publishing, repeating, endorsing, or circulating any further statements, insinuations, or allegations concerning Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar in relation to any political matter. It further insists on a public retraction and apology within fifteen days of receiving the notice. The apology must explicitly acknowledge that Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar neither sought nor desired any political nomination from the Barasat Assembly Constituency and must correct any false statements made regarding his personal conduct or character. The notice makes it clear that failure to comply with these demands within the stipulated 15-day period will compel Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar to 'initiate such civil, criminal, and other legal proceedings as may be available in law,' including defamation suits. This threat of legal action signals a serious escalation of an already simmering internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress. This development comes at a particularly turbulent time for the TMC. The party is reportedly grappling with significant internal tensions following a 'crushing electoral defeat' in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. There have been widespread reports of growing internal friction and dissent among party leaders and a perceived revolt against the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and the influence of national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar herself has been identified as a 'rebel MP' who recently resigned from key organizational responsibilities within the party after stepping down as Barasat parliamentary district president. She has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the party leadership, criticizing internal functioning and raising concerns over corruption allegations and governance issues. Media reports indicate that a group of 'rebel' TMC MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have even held meetings with Union ministers, suggesting a potential realignment with the BJP-led NDA alliance. This legal action by her son, a private citizen, adds another complex layer to the ongoing political drama, forcing the party to contend with public allegations that could further damage its image and stability. The incident highlights how deeply personal grievances can become intertwined with high-stakes political maneuvering within a major Indian political party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest