The Crossbill News Desk
A legal battle has added a new dimension to the deepening crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with the son of rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar issuing a legal notice to party supremo and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with several senior leaders.
Dr Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar, a psychiatrist, has served the notice on TMC MPs Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy and Mahua Moitra, former TMC MLA Sonali Guha, and Mamata Banerjee, accusing them of making false and defamatory statements against him.
The legal notice states, “He (Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar) neither sought nor desired any nomination for the Barasat Assembly Constituency and had no political ambition in that regard.”
The notice further reads, “My client… states that IPAC representatives associated with political consultancy and organizational activities repeatedly approached him and requested that he consider contesting from the Barasat Assembly segment… Sohom Pal, then associated with the Barasat District TMCP, contacted him on multiple occasions through WhatsApp and encouraged him to contest elections. Every week, representatives from the Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC)… Sohom Pal would call Dr Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar to attend health camps in Barasat.”
According to the notice, senior advocate and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee made derogatory and uncharitable remarks against Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar and his brother, causing reputational damage and mental distress. It also rejected allegations made by former MLA Sonali Guha that he consumes alcohol, describing them as false, defamatory and lacking evidence.
Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar has demanded that those named in the notice refrain from making or circulating any statements or insinuations concerning him in connection with political matters. He has also sought the withdrawal of what he termed false and misleading remarks.
“Issue a public clarification and apology within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this notice, acknowledging that my client neither sought nor desired any political nomination from the Barasat Assembly Constituency and correcting any false statements made regarding his personal conduct or character. Please take notice that should you fail to comply with the aforesaid demands within fifteen (15) days from receipt of this notice, my client shall be constrained to initiate such civil, criminal, and other legal proceedings as may be available in law,” the notice states.
The dispute spilled onto social media as Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar targeted Mahua Moitra over remarks concerning his mother.
“Mahua Moitra has falsely claimed that my mother was crying for an MLA ticket for me. 100 % lies. disagreements should be fought politically, not by dragging private individuals and family members into the dispute. I reserve my legal rights,” he posted on Sunday.
In another post, he announced his decision to return gifts received from Mamata Banerjee.
“I am returning the gold necklace gifted to my wife at our wedding and the kurta-pyjama gifted to me during Durga Puja by @MamataOfficial. I remain grateful for the gesture, but in view of recent events and as a matter of personal conscience, appropriate to return these gifts.”
Responding to her son’s posts, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar wrote, “Proud of you and your wife.”
The developments come against the backdrop of an unprecedented rebellion within the TMC.
Last week, around 20 Lok Sabha MPs, reportedly led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, are said to have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as a separate faction backing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Sources indicated that the dissident MPs are expected to meet the Speaker on Monday, potentially setting the stage for a major realignment in West Bengal politics.
Dr Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar, a psychiatrist, has served the notice on TMC MPs Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy and Mahua Moitra, former TMC MLA Sonali Guha, and Mamata Banerjee, accusing them of making false and defamatory statements against him.
The legal notice states, “He (Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar) neither sought nor desired any nomination for the Barasat Assembly Constituency and had no political ambition in that regard.”
The notice further reads, “My client… states that IPAC representatives associated with political consultancy and organizational activities repeatedly approached him and requested that he consider contesting from the Barasat Assembly segment… Sohom Pal, then associated with the Barasat District TMCP, contacted him on multiple occasions through WhatsApp and encouraged him to contest elections. Every week, representatives from the Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC)… Sohom Pal would call Dr Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar to attend health camps in Barasat.”
According to the notice, senior advocate and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee made derogatory and uncharitable remarks against Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar and his brother, causing reputational damage and mental distress. It also rejected allegations made by former MLA Sonali Guha that he consumes alcohol, describing them as false, defamatory and lacking evidence.
Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar has demanded that those named in the notice refrain from making or circulating any statements or insinuations concerning him in connection with political matters. He has also sought the withdrawal of what he termed false and misleading remarks.
“Issue a public clarification and apology within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this notice, acknowledging that my client neither sought nor desired any political nomination from the Barasat Assembly Constituency and correcting any false statements made regarding his personal conduct or character. Please take notice that should you fail to comply with the aforesaid demands within fifteen (15) days from receipt of this notice, my client shall be constrained to initiate such civil, criminal, and other legal proceedings as may be available in law,” the notice states.
The dispute spilled onto social media as Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar targeted Mahua Moitra over remarks concerning his mother.
“Mahua Moitra has falsely claimed that my mother was crying for an MLA ticket for me. 100 % lies. disagreements should be fought politically, not by dragging private individuals and family members into the dispute. I reserve my legal rights,” he posted on Sunday.
In another post, he announced his decision to return gifts received from Mamata Banerjee.
“I am returning the gold necklace gifted to my wife at our wedding and the kurta-pyjama gifted to me during Durga Puja by @MamataOfficial. I remain grateful for the gesture, but in view of recent events and as a matter of personal conscience, appropriate to return these gifts.”
Responding to her son’s posts, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar wrote, “Proud of you and your wife.”
The developments come against the backdrop of an unprecedented rebellion within the TMC.
Last week, around 20 Lok Sabha MPs, reportedly led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, are said to have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as a separate faction backing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Sources indicated that the dissident MPs are expected to meet the Speaker on Monday, potentially setting the stage for a major realignment in West Bengal politics.
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