In a recent turn of events, suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has stirred controversy by defiantly standing his ground and daring the Centre to put him in jail over his impression of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The BJP’s national spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla, strongly criticized the Opposition, stating that the entire alliance is encouraging and emboldening Banerjee.
During an event in West Bengal, the suspended TMC MP not only reiterated his intent to mimic Dhankhar multiple times but also challenged the Centre to take legal action against him. Poonawalla, in a personalized video address, condemned Banerjee’s defiant stance, emphasizing that he is justifying his disrespectful impression of the Rajya Sabha chairman by claiming it as an ‘art form.’
Poonawalla further targeted leaders of the INDIA bloc, singling out Rahul Gandhi for videotaping the act and standing in support of Banerjee. According to the BJP spokesperson, the entire alliance, especially TMC and Rahul Gandhi, is emboldening Banerjee, reflecting their mindset regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar responded to the mimicry row, expressing that he is a ‘sufferer’ despite holding one of the highest public offices in the country. Dhankhar emphasized the need for integrity and high ethical standards, acknowledging the challenges and pressures associated with public service.
In the face of criticism from both the Treasury and the Centre, Banerjee issued a clarification, stating that he did not intend to hurt anyone with his mimicry. He expressed respect for Vice President Dhankhar, citing their shared profession in law and highlighting Dhankhar’s past role as the governor of West Bengal.
The controversy originated during a protest over the bulk suspension of Opposition MPs at the new Parliament complex during the recent Winter Session. Banerjee’s crude impression of the Vice President, captured by Rahul Gandhi on his phone, led to a political showdown, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing ‘great pain’ over the incident and condemning it as ‘abject theatrics.’
The incident has raised questions about the boundaries of political expression and decorum within the parliamentary system, prompting a wider debate on the responsibility of public figures in maintaining respect for the institutions they represent.
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