'Mimicry Is Art, Modi Did It In Lok Sabha': TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Asks Dhankhar Not To Take Act Upon Himself

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee, facing criticism for mimicking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, responded on Wednesday (20 December), expressing no knowledge of why Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned '20 years' in connection with the incident, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Banerjee, who has come under fire from both Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, clarified that his mimicry was a form of art and he harbours great respect for Dhankhar.

He emphasised that he had no intention of hurting Dhankhar and questioned why he was taking it upon himself and remarked that he should feel insulted only if he really behaves like this in the Rajya Sabha.

"I have not said anything either in the Rajya Sabha or in the Lok Sabha. It was a mock parliament. If he has taken on his shoulder, I am really helpless. But my question is does he behave like this in the Rajya Sabha? I never had any intention to hurt anyone. He is my senior in my profession. He is a senior advocate, I am also a senior advocate. And in our profession, we never hurt anyone," Banerjee stated.

He added, "mimicry is an art. The honourable Prime Minister has done this in Lok Sabha itself. I can show you the video. He has done in last term 2014-19. But everyone took it as okay. But everyone takes this time seriously I am helpless". (sic)

Expressing respect for Dhankhar, Banerjee highlighted their shared professional background, Dhankhar's role as the ex-governor of West Bengal, and his current position as the Vice President and chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Regarding PM Modi's comment about enduring such insults for the last 20 years, Banerjee stated, "but I have not been here for the last 20 years. I don't know why he said that. How can he link past incidents with me."

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, currently in Delhi, declined to comment on Kalyan Banerjee's mimicry, suggesting reporters inquire with Derek O'Brien or Sudip Bandyopadhyay for a response.