Kolkata: Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar, son of TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, announced on social media platform X that he would return all gifts received from TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. The gifts include a gold necklace presented to his wife on their wedding two years ago and a panjabi-pyjama set he received on Durga Puja. This decision has triggered widespread trolling on social media.
Personal Conscience Behind the Move
Baidyanath stated that the move was a matter of personal conscience. He also revealed that he has initiated legal action against Mamata Banerjee and several senior TMC leaders, demanding a public apology for statements made against him and his mother.
Social Media Reactions
Netizens questioned the timing of the gift return. Some labeled the act as "ridiculous," while others suggested it was politically motivated. In his post, Baidyanath expressed gratitude for Mamata's gestures but emphasized that returning the gifts was appropriate given recent events.
"I am grateful for the gesture (of Mamata), but in view of recent events and as a matter of personal conscience, I feel it is appropriate to return these gifts," the post read. He later told reporters, "The necklace is kept in a bank locker. I will return all these gifts along with an amount equivalent to the interest accrued on the value of the gold necklace over the last two years. I will send them to her Kalighat residence as soon as possible."
Accusations Against TMC Leaders
Baidyanath accused Mamata and some TMC leaders, including Sougata Ray, Kalyan Banerjee, Mahua Moitra, and Sonali Guha, of making defamatory remarks against him and his family. Reacting to the controversy, Sougata Ray dismissed the allegations, saying, "All these comments made by Kakoli's son are unnecessary, childish and baseless. His decision to return the gifts to Mamata Banerjee is ridiculous. If I receive any legal notice, I will respond appropriately."
