Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, MP from Barasat parliamentary constituency of West Bengal, has given a complaint letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla demanding the expulsion of TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee from the House. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar alleges that Kalyan Banerjee is continuously making objectionable, derogatory and anti-women comments against her and other women MPs during the meetings and proceedings of the House.
In this letter sent to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on June 10, Dastidar has said that this behavior is not an isolated incident that happened suddenly during a debate, but it has become a systematic and repeated pattern.
Attempts to intimidate and abusive comments
According to the letter, Kalyan Banerjee’s repeated personal attacks, attempts to intimidate and vulgar comments cross the boundaries of political differences and directly amount to mental harassment. This conduct has not only caused them personal pain but has also created an environment hampering the free and fearless participation of women members in Parliament.
privilege of freedom of speech
Kakoli Ghosh made it clear that this conduct is against Rules 349 and 352 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Lok Sabha, which talk about maintaining the dignity of the House. Citing the ‘privilege of freedom of speech’ granted under Article 105 of the Constitution, he said that it cannot be considered a license to harass or abuse anyone.
Appeal for strict disciplinary action
He has urged the Speaker to take immediate cognizance of the matter under Rule 314 (1) of the Lok Sabha and take strict disciplinary action, including expelling Kalyan Banerjee from the House, so that a safe and respectful workplace can be ensured in Parliament.
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