'You are lady killer': Kalyan Banerjee's remark on Scindia triggers uproar in Lok Sabha; BJP seeks action

PTC Web Desk: The Lok Sabha was thrown into chaos after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee made controversial remarks against Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, calling him a "lady killer" during a heated exchange in the House. The incident occurred amid discussions on amendments to the Disaster Management Act, where Banerjee accused the Central Government of failing to cooperate effectively during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the debate intensified, Banerjee’s comments led to a verbal altercation with Scindia, causing a disruption in the proceedings.

The controversy began when Kalyan Banerjee, while speaking on the Disaster Management Act, faced interruptions from Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and Scindia, who countered his allegations. The debate shifted to the issue of the pandemic, which further fueled the tension between the MPs. At one point, Scindia remarked, “You can see whose face shows anxiety and whose shows a smile,” prompting Banerjee to respond with a personal comment.

Banerjee, addressing Scindia, said, “Scindia, you look very handsome, but just because you are handsome doesn’t mean you’re a good person. You might be a villain as well. Just because you're from a prominent family doesn’t make you a king." Scindia, visibly offended, rejected the personal nature of Banerjee’s remarks, stating that he would not tolerate personal attacks, especially on his family. He warned that such comments would not be accepted in the House.

The situation escalated when Kalyan Banerjee, refusing to back down, said, “You are very handsome, but you’re also a lady killer.” At this, the House erupted in noise, and Speaker Om Birla intervened, calling for order. He advised the MPs to stick to the topic of discussion and refrain from making personal comments. However, Banerjee continued his line of argument, saying, “You’re from a royal family, so you think you can say anything.”

Following the eruption of chaos, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the session for 30 minutes. Upon reconvening, Banerjee apologised for his remarks, but Scindia remained firm in his refusal to accept the apology. Scindia stated, "I do not accept the apology because the attack was not only on me but also on the women of India. We come to this House with the aim of contributing to the nation’s development, but we also come with self-respect. Personal attacks should never be tolerated."

The matter did not end there. Women MPs from the BJP, outraged by Banerjee’s comments, met Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to lodge a formal complaint. They demanded that Banerjee be suspended for the rest of the Winter Session for his remarks against Scindia and the broader disrespect shown to women.

Scindia, in a press statement, reiterated his stance, emphasising that while policies and opinions could be debated in Parliament, personal attacks were unacceptable. He said such behaviour undermined the dignity of the House and went against the spirit of constructive dialogue.